5 Bulawayo firms convicted for tax violations

Five Bulawayo companies have been convicted and fined after being found guilty of failing to comply with tax obligations, in a case that authorities say highlights the damaging impact of tax non-compliance on national development.

Representatives of Bekisisa Investment, Alpha Signature Institute, Whixbee Investments, Major Furniture Shop and Sheworld Solutions appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Resident Magistrate Themba Chimiso facing charges of contravening Section 81(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06] for failing to submit income tax returns.

Following their conviction, the court imposed fines ranging from US$100 to US$900. Bekisisa Investment was fined US$900, Major Furniture Shop US$400, Sheworld Solutions US$300, Alpha Signature Institute US$200 and Whixbee Investments US$100.

In passing sentence, Magistrate Chimiso said offences involving tax non-compliance were becoming increasingly prevalent and were depriving the Government of revenue needed for public services and development projects.

"The Government loses millions of dollars meant for the national fiscus. Such unscrupulous business practices by errant private businesses ought to be censured by the courts, as this hampers national development," he said.

"The malpractice by the errant companies calls for deterrent sentences to deter like-minded elements."

Prosecutor Samuel Mpofu told the court that Major Furniture Shop repeatedly failed to submit quarterly tax returns during 2022 and 2023 despite receiving several reminders from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

The court heard that the company failed to submit quarterly returns due on March 25, June, September and December 2022. It also failed to submit returns due on December 20, 2023, and March 25 thereafter, despite repeated email reminders.

Alpha Signature Institute was found guilty of failing to submit first-quarter income tax returns for the period January to March 25, 2026, despite being required to do so under the law.

According to the prosecution, Zimra issued follow-up reminders, but the company failed to comply, prompting a report to the police and subsequent legal action.

The court also heard that Whixbee Investments failed to submit Value Added Tax (VAT) returns between January and February 2026 without any lawful justification.

Meanwhile, Sheworld Solutions ignored a request issued on January 21 to submit income tax returns for the first quarter of 2026 before the prescribed deadline.

Bekisisa Investment was found to have repeatedly evaded its tax obligations on several occasions and failed to comply even after intervention by the authorities.

The matter eventually resulted in police involvement and the arrest of the companies' representatives.

The convictions form part of ongoing efforts by Zimra and law enforcement agencies to enforce tax compliance and ensure that businesses meet their statutory obligations.