News / National
Zimra official name drops Zanu-PF official's name
3 hrs ago |
254 Views
A senior official at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Raymore Tafadzwa Machingura, is facing mounting allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and unexplained wealth, amid claims that he has been invoking the name of a prominent Zanu-PF politician to shield himself from accountability.
According to a dossier seen by this publication and corroborated by a close source, Machingura has appeared before several internal disciplinary hearings over the years, but no decisive action has been taken.
The source, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, alleged that Machingura "openly boasts" of being protected by political connections.
Documents reviewed indicate that the officer allegedly failed to declare a range of assets as required under ZIMRA's internal regulations. The accumulation of such wealth has sparked concern within the authority, with critics suggesting it far exceeds his known salary.
The dossier further alleges that Machingura used his positions at key border posts—including Plumtree, Mutare, Beitbridge, and Bulawayo—to engage in illicit dealings.
"Each time he was transferred, the same pattern followed—unexplained wealth and no consequences," the source claimed.
The report also claims Machingura regularly name-drops a senior Zanu-PF politician from Chipinge Central, allegedly assuring colleagues that his "protection" prevents any disciplinary action. This has fueled speculation within ZIMRA that political interference may be influencing internal investigations.
In an interview, Machingura dismissed the allegations as malicious and unfounded, suggesting they were being spread by a disgruntled relative.
"I implore you to do your verifications first to ensure factual reporting. These are baseless accusations being driven by a bitter and jealous relative," he said.
He denied knowledge of any internal hearings and challenged anyone to verify the claims with ZIMRA headquarters.
"I kindly refer you to our ZIMRA HQ and enquire about the alleged misconduct hearings. I do not know of any," he said.
On accusations of undeclared assets, he maintained that his records were in full compliance.
"I kindly request you to request for a copy of my asset declaration from ZIMRA and advise of any that are not declared. Again, I do not know of any," Machingura said.
Responding to claims of irregular dealings at border posts, he added: "There is nothing specific to respond to on this one. Kindly tell me of any specific irregular dealing that I was involved in and I will respond."
Machingura also rejected suggestions of political protection, saying, "I do not need any protection, but again you can verify with ZIMRA if anyone has interfered with their processes."
He insisted that his wealth was legitimate, accumulated through long-standing business ventures: "I am open to any verifications concerning my sources of income. I have long established businesses that started even before my appointment at ZIMRA. You may request for my asset declaration at my time of inception (2010)."
Efforts to obtain an official comment from ZIMRA's communications department were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
According to a dossier seen by this publication and corroborated by a close source, Machingura has appeared before several internal disciplinary hearings over the years, but no decisive action has been taken.
The source, who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation, alleged that Machingura "openly boasts" of being protected by political connections.
Documents reviewed indicate that the officer allegedly failed to declare a range of assets as required under ZIMRA's internal regulations. The accumulation of such wealth has sparked concern within the authority, with critics suggesting it far exceeds his known salary.
The dossier further alleges that Machingura used his positions at key border posts—including Plumtree, Mutare, Beitbridge, and Bulawayo—to engage in illicit dealings.
"Each time he was transferred, the same pattern followed—unexplained wealth and no consequences," the source claimed.
The report also claims Machingura regularly name-drops a senior Zanu-PF politician from Chipinge Central, allegedly assuring colleagues that his "protection" prevents any disciplinary action. This has fueled speculation within ZIMRA that political interference may be influencing internal investigations.
In an interview, Machingura dismissed the allegations as malicious and unfounded, suggesting they were being spread by a disgruntled relative.
He denied knowledge of any internal hearings and challenged anyone to verify the claims with ZIMRA headquarters.
"I kindly refer you to our ZIMRA HQ and enquire about the alleged misconduct hearings. I do not know of any," he said.
On accusations of undeclared assets, he maintained that his records were in full compliance.
"I kindly request you to request for a copy of my asset declaration from ZIMRA and advise of any that are not declared. Again, I do not know of any," Machingura said.
Responding to claims of irregular dealings at border posts, he added: "There is nothing specific to respond to on this one. Kindly tell me of any specific irregular dealing that I was involved in and I will respond."
Machingura also rejected suggestions of political protection, saying, "I do not need any protection, but again you can verify with ZIMRA if anyone has interfered with their processes."
He insisted that his wealth was legitimate, accumulated through long-standing business ventures: "I am open to any verifications concerning my sources of income. I have long established businesses that started even before my appointment at ZIMRA. You may request for my asset declaration at my time of inception (2010)."
Efforts to obtain an official comment from ZIMRA's communications department were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
Source - online
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
