Bogus Zimra officers defraud motorist

Three men have been arrested for allegedly masquerading as Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials to defraud a motorist of US$1,500.

The accused — Farai Kowo (25), Pascal Panevamwe (34) and Needmore Maposa (40) — appeared before Magistrate Annie Ndiraya at Mutare Magistrates Court facing fraud charges and were remanded in custody.

According to prosecutor Chris Manyuku, the complainant, Tatenda Macheso Nadhana, had his Nissan NV350 vehicle seized by ZIMRA on December 31, 2025, over alleged smuggling offences.

On January 5, the trio allegedly approached Nadhana at GMS Mutare, introducing themselves as ZIMRA officers. They claimed they could facilitate the release of the seized vehicle and demanded US$1,500 to do so.

The court heard that the complainant paid US$300 in cash on January 6, US$254 via mobile money, and a further US$1,000 in cash on January 10.

The complainant later realised that the men were not ZIMRA officials and had no authority over the vehicle's release, prompting him to report the matter to the police.

The total amount allegedly lost is US$1,500. The case was postponed to tomorrow for further proceedings.