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THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has suspended four top information communication technology (ICT) managers on allegations of misconduct.
Details of the allegations remain sketchy but sources at Zimra told The Sunday Mail Business last week that the quartet – Mr Moses Madongorere, Sydney Kunesu and two others only identified as Allen and Cain – were suspended a fortnight ago after the national tax collector noticed anomalies in their operations.
The sources said the actions of the four officials were designed to prejudice the company of thousands of dollars.
“We have four guys who were suspended by bosses for tampering with the ICT system. It is unclear how much the organisation had been prejudiced through their actions because investigations are underway,” said a close source.
Contacted for comment last week, Zimra board secretary and director for legal and corporate services Ms Florence Jambwa, all but confirmed that the officials were on suspension but declined to give more details.
“The information you have requested relates to staff contractual issues, which are confidential in nature.
“I am, therefore, unable to provide the requested information at this stage,” said Ms Jambwa.
Zimra has been accused of corruption over the years.
Corrupt elements at head office are also understood to be working in connivance with the officials at ports of entry and exit, lining their pockets.
This prejudices Government of the much needed revenue.
Zimra Commissioner-General Mr Gershem Pasi is presently on suspension and is expected to answer at least 40 counts of misconduct involving vehicle importation scams and a litany of other charges dating back to 2009.
Comm-Gen Pasi is also expected to answer to allegations of signing a US$14 million contract with a firm called AVIC International for the supply of uniforms and tollgate equipment without observing laid down tender procedures.
He is also accused of allocating himself excessive vehicle allowances of US$374 451 between 2014 and May 2016, plus holiday allowances of US$205 000 during the same period.
The new Zimra board led by Mrs Willia Bonyongwe has been cracking the whip on errant officials.
In October 2016, Zimra suspended three executives – Mr Robert Mangwiro, Mr Shadreck Dimingo and Ms Truenia Dimingo – on allegations of misconduct.
From January to October 2016, the tax collector had dealt with 34 corruption-related cases.
Out of those cases, six people were dismissed; 14 were given written warnings; 13 cases were yet to be resolved while one case was withdrawn.
Online Reporter