Zimra completes executives probe

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has completed a forensic audit into suspected irregular conduct by executives with fraud and falsification of academic qualifications by its loss control director among major findings.

According to media reports, ZIMRA has since reported a fraud case CR 2151 /09 /16 at Harare Central Police (Serious Frauds) against the loss control director, Chalton Chihuri, who joined ZIMRA in 2003.

Investigations into suspected impropriety by senior officials at ZIMRA follow earlier reports that the taxman could be losing or might have lost millions of dollars to dealers who facilitated counterfeit undervalued import documents for the purpose of importing cars at grossly low cost. This resulted in Commissioner General Gershem Pasi and five other senior directors being sent on paid leave to facilitate investigations over suspected irregularities on car imports and other issues related to procurement at ZIMRA.

Other executives on leave include Mr Charlton Chihuri, Mrs Anna Mutombodzi (commissioner customs and excise) Mr Tjiyapo Velempini (director ICT and Infrastructural Development), Mr Charles Manjengwa (director internal audit) and Mrs Sithokozile Thembani (director human resources).

The audit report has now been lodged with Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa for perusal and presentation to Government before being publicised.

ZIMRA chairperson Willia Bonyongwe said that the audit report had been submitted to Minister Chinamasa, but would not discuss the contents of findings saying an official statement will be issued this week.

Among other issues, the forensic audit looked into awarding of contracts, the motor vehicle scheme and car importation by officials and senior executives of ZIMRA.