Forged vehicle rebate letter shatters cop's dreams

A policewoman's attempt to benefit from the civil servant rebate scheme for importing a car was thwarted after a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) sting operation uncovered fraud involving forged documents. In 2022, Paul Jamu, a car dealer, appeared in court charged with fraud amounting to US$3,183 for his role in the scheme.

The court heard that in November 2021, Getmore Mundandi, the policewoman, purchased a Honda Fit from Japan and applied for a rebate under the civil servant scheme. After receiving authorization from the Ministry of Finance in December 2021, Mundandi allegedly engaged Jamu to assist in obtaining a rebate letter from Zimra.

However, Jamu allegedly forged a civil servant rebate letter in Mundandi's name in December 2021 and used it at Kariba Border Post in January 2022, presenting it as genuine to a Zimra official who subsequently allowed the vehicle to be imported.

Jamu, aged 38, was remanded in custody until August 15, 2024, pending further court proceedings.