By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare – July 16, 2025 – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has confirmed the arrest of a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official, Collins Chakamavinga, and four clearing agents on allegations of fraud and violation of customs and excise regulations.
The clearing agents – Michael Makonye, Batsirai Mangoma, Zondai Bechayi, and Steven Masaraure – are affiliated with Withyou Customs Clearing (Pvt) Ltd and Tayema Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
According to ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu, the suspects are accused of colluding with ZIMRA officials to falsify customs declarations and smuggle goods through the Forbes Border Post. The alleged scheme involved misrepresenting the nature of goods to avoid taxes and duties.
ZACC intercepted two Mozambican-registered trucks carrying assorted goods falsely declared as agricultural equipment. Investigations revealed that Chakamavinga, together with another ZIMRA official, Hillary Chiwamba, released the trucks without subjecting them to mandatory inspection or scanning procedures.
“In a shocking development, one of the trucks, which had initially been flagged and redirected for further searching, was again released without examination. The motive behind this decision remains under investigation,” said Mlevu.
The financial prejudice to the state is yet to be quantified as investigations continue.
The five accused are expected to appear at the Mutare Magistrates Court today, July 16, 2025.
ZACC says it remains committed to rooting out corruption and urges public officials to act with integrity in carrying out their duties.