Tinaye Agere
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against corruption following the arrest of four of its employees in Harare on allegations of soliciting bribes to release confiscated goods.
The accused employees — Gwatirinda Paul (42), Mutwira Obert (40), Homera Simon Tavaguta (38) and Maguta Jonathan (38) — have since appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Taurai Manuwere on charges of criminal abuse of office.
In a statement, ZIMRA emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and assured the public of its dedication to integrity and accountability.
“ZIMRA wishes to address recent allegations involving four of our officials who have been charged with extortion and criminal abuse of office,” reads the statement.
“We want to assure the public that the organisation does not condone or abet any form of corruption.
“As an authority, we are on high alert regarding these and similar matters and are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
“We take these allegations very seriously and decisive disciplinary action will be taken against those involved as guided by our internal code of conduct and all other applicable regulations.”
ZIMRA also called on the public to actively report instances of corruption, stressing the importance of civic responsibility in the collective fight against corruption.
The authority pledged to maintain transparency and provide honest service to the public.
“We will continue to work closely with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and other stakeholders to combat corruption within our ranks and the broader public sector.
“Together, we can foster a culture of integrity that benefits all citizens.
“Please note that all bona fide ZIMRA officials are identifiable by their name tags and uniforms.
“We urge our stakeholders to verify the identity of any individual claiming to be a ZIMRA official.
“Before conducting any official business, please request and inspect their proof of identification to confirm their legitimacy as a ZIMRA representative.”
In the case involving the four officials, allegations are that on January 9, the officers were deployed to BAK Storage for post-clearance verification of cross-border buses and trucks.
This operation was part of a collaborative effort with the police to combat smuggling.
On the same day, ZACC received a tip-off from a complainant who alleged that the officers had demanded a bribe of US$6 000 to release her impounded bus.
In response, a sting operation was organised using US$1 500 as bait.
ZACC officers proceeded to BAK Storage to execute the plan.
The complainant initially paid ZiG55 000, calculated as excise duty by Gwatirinda.
Afterwards, she approached Gwatirinda, who was in a ZIMRA-marked Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab with his co-accused, to negotiate the release of her bus.
Gwatirinda demanded the bribe in the presence of his accomplices, instructing the complainant to hand over the money.
After the complainant complied, Gwatirinda and his co-accused were arrested upon accepting the trap money.
The operation also led to the recovery of the US$1 500 trap money and an additional US$3 951 found in the vehicle, believed to be proceeds of bribes extorted from cross-border transporters.
The accused’s actions were deemed inconsistent with their official duties.
Online Reporter