Rutendo Hazel Chiveso (42), director of Sinyochiv Procurement Services (Pvt) Ltd, appeared before Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing allegations of defrauding the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of US$79,986. She was granted bail of US$300 by Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, pending further investigation and court proceedings.
Court papers allege that Chiveso, through her company, imported 1,143 cartons of assorted goods, including clothing, foam balls, fake flowers, and other items totaling 48,020 kilograms, from Long Grand Enterprises Limited in Hong Kong. The shipment was loaded into two containers at CMA CGM, sealed in China, and shipped to Beira in Mozambique before being transported to Harare.
The State claims that Chiveso, in collaboration with clearing agent Natural Manyeku of Sequency Freight Pvt Limited, falsified key shipping documents, including the bill of lading and commercial invoice. According to prosecutors, the consignment was deliberately misdeclared as agricultural equipment, a category of goods exempt from import duty.
Manyeku, it is alleged, subcontracted With You Customs Clearing to handle ZIMRA clearance at Forbes Border Post in Mutare. In July, the clearing company processed the shipment under bill entries C16697 and C18711, leading ZIMRA to exempt the consignment from paying the US$79,986.58 import duty.
Director in Court Over Alleged US$80,000 ZIMRA Fraud
The alleged scheme, prosecutors say, involved meticulous planning and coordination between Chiveso, her clearing agent, and the subcontracted customs clearing company. “The shipment was deliberately misrepresented to evade tax, resulting in significant loss to the national revenue,” court documents state.
Chiveso, who appeared in court dressed in formal attire, did not enter a plea during yesterday’s hearing, with Magistrate Gofa setting conditions for her release on bail. The magistrate emphasized that the case involves substantial financial implications and instructed the accused to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations.
Legal experts note that cases of alleged import duty fraud are treated seriously in Zimbabwe due to their potential impact on the country’s revenue base. If found guilty, Chiveso could face substantial fines and a custodial sentence under the relevant provisions of the Customs and Excise Act and anti-fraud legislation.
The ZIMRA fraud case underscores the complex methods that some individuals and companies may employ to evade taxes. Falsifying bills of lading and invoices, misdeclaring goods, and manipulating customs procedures are common tactics cited in previous investigations into import-related fraud. Authorities maintain that vigilant monitoring and cross-border cooperation are critical in detecting and preventing such schemes.
Investigations into the case are ongoing, with police and ZIMRA officials continuing to examine documentation, shipment records, and communications related to the import consignment. Authorities have indicated that additional parties involved in the clearing and logistics process may also be scrutinized to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud.
Customs and excise experts highlight that duty evasion not only results in immediate financial losses for the government but can also distort fair market practices, giving dishonest traders an unfair advantage over compliant businesses. “Fraudulent imports undermine the integrity of the customs system and affect the overall economy. Ensuring accountability is essential for maintaining trust and fairness in trade,” said one analyst familiar with import regulations.
The case has attracted attention from the business community, particularly among importers and clearing agents, many of whom emphasize the importance of transparency and adherence to legal requirements. Trade associations have urged companies to implement robust compliance systems to prevent inadvertent violations and safeguard against potential legal consequences.
As the matter proceeds through the courts, the prosecution is expected to present evidence detailing the importation process, the falsified documentation, and the alleged collaboration between Chiveso and her associates. Witness testimonies from customs officials and representatives of the clearing companies involved may also form part of the State’s case.
Observers note that this case could serve as a precedent for prosecuting complex import fraud schemes in Zimbabwe, demonstrating that authorities are committed to upholding the law and protecting national revenue.
For now, Chiveso remains out on bail, with the matter adjourned as the investigation continues. The outcome of this high-profile case is likely to have wider implications for import practices, customs compliance, and the enforcement of anti-fraud measures in Zimbabwe’s commercial sector.
Source- Bulawayo24
