Freight clearing boss in Zimra fraud scam

A Harare-based freight clearing company director has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly orchestrating a scheme that prejudiced the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of more than ZiG$400 000 through a fictitious payment arrangement.

The accused, Lawrence Zifungo (43), appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court where he was formally charged with fraud.

Prosecutors allege that Zifungo used company and ZIMRA accounts to clear imported goods without making the required payments.

According to court papers, in 2023 Rosecraft Freight Private Limited engaged Zifungo to assist in clearing goods for its clients using the company's credentials. He was subsequently granted access to the company's pre-payment account to process customs clearance entries.

However, between January and August 2025, Zifungo allegedly devised a plan to defraud the company and the tax authority.

The State alleges that Zifungo, working in cahoots with unidentified employees at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, falsely represented that Rosecraft Freight Private Limited had deposited ZiG$448 620 into ZIMRA's account held with BancABC.

Court documents state that ZIMRA officials allegedly created a fictitious payment entry reflecting that the funds had been deposited. This entry then enabled the clearance of goods despite the fact that no actual payment had been made.

As a result, authorities say the tax authority suffered a financial prejudice amounting to ZiG$448 620.

Zifungo was granted bail of US$300 by the Harare Magistrates' Court and is expected to return to court for trial at a later date. Investigations into the matter are continuing, with authorities also pursuing the unidentified ZIMRA employees suspected to have been involved in the scheme.