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ZIMRA officials arrested for demanding, accepting US$1,500 bribe
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Four Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials have been arrested for allegedly demanding and receiving bribes in connection with an anti-smuggling operation.
The accused - Maguta Jonathan, Mitwira Obert, Homera Simon, and Gwatirinda Paul - are revenue officers facing charges of extortion or, alternatively, criminal abuse of duty as public officers.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested the quartet after they reportedly demanded a US$6,000 bribe from Beatrice Maramwidze, the director of Best Express Logistics, to facilitate the release of a bus impounded during a clampdown on smuggling.
According to ZACC, the transport company had already paid ZWG55,000 in excess duty for the seized bus. Despite this, the officials allegedly insisted on the bribe to clear the vehicle. Maramwidze reported the matter to ZACC, prompting an investigation.
The officials were apprehended after accepting a US$1,500 bribe while traveling in a ZIMRA-branded vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered an additional US$3,951, believed to be part of the extorted funds.
The suspects are currently detained at Avondale Police Station and are expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates' Court on January 11, 2025, to face the charges.
In a statement, ZACC urged members of the public and the business community to report any instances of corruption. “We remain committed to fighting corruption and ensuring that public officers are held accountable for their actions,” the commission said.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by ZACC to curb corruption within public institutions and reinforce accountability among civil servants.
The accused - Maguta Jonathan, Mitwira Obert, Homera Simon, and Gwatirinda Paul - are revenue officers facing charges of extortion or, alternatively, criminal abuse of duty as public officers.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested the quartet after they reportedly demanded a US$6,000 bribe from Beatrice Maramwidze, the director of Best Express Logistics, to facilitate the release of a bus impounded during a clampdown on smuggling.
According to ZACC, the transport company had already paid ZWG55,000 in excess duty for the seized bus. Despite this, the officials allegedly insisted on the bribe to clear the vehicle. Maramwidze reported the matter to ZACC, prompting an investigation.
The suspects are currently detained at Avondale Police Station and are expected to appear before the Harare Magistrates' Court on January 11, 2025, to face the charges.
In a statement, ZACC urged members of the public and the business community to report any instances of corruption. “We remain committed to fighting corruption and ensuring that public officers are held accountable for their actions,” the commission said.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by ZACC to curb corruption within public institutions and reinforce accountability among civil servants.
Source - NewZimbabwe
