Rich pickings for whistle-blowers

Whistle-blowers who outed corporates involved in tax-related offences have pocketed more than $29 million from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) over the last four years after assisting the tax-man with information that led to the recovery of unpaid taxes.

This year, Zimra has already recovered over US$1,5 million and $226 million from tax cheats.

Section 34B (2) of the Revenue Authority Act states that anyone who provides the tax-man with credible information on corrupt or uncooperative companies or individuals that lead to the successful recovery of unpaid taxes is entitled to 10 percent of what is recovered.

In 2018, Zimra paid out $1,9 million to whistle-blowers, while $789 824 was paid out the following year.

Two years ago, whistle-blowers received $3,8 million, while $19 million was paid out last year. This year, $3,6 million has already been released to reward tipsters. Zimra's head of corporate communications Mr Francis Chimanda said a countrywide campaign to foster a culture of integrity is underway.

"In US dollar terms, since 2021, whistle-blowers have pocketed US$157 251,94," he said. Under the whistle-blower facility, Zimra rewards legitimate whistle-blowers on cases relating to tax evasion.

"The authority has dealt with reported high-profile and ordinary tax and smuggling cases cutting across the economy.

"However, Zimra is bound by the secrecy provisions, hence it cannot divulge specific names of taxpayers."

Zimra, he added, was owed more than US$500 000 and $267 million in unpaid taxes.

"Zimbabweans are urged to collaborate in the fight against corruption and report tax evaders and smugglers.

"Zimra is currently running the #I'mForZero campaign countrywide to inculcate a culture of integrity both within Zimra and among its stakeholders."

Zimra surpassed its tax revenue collection target in the first three months of the year after collecting $178,8 billion against a target of $165,4 billion.