The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) official and four customs clearing agents on allegations of fraud and violating customs regulations in a suspected smuggling operation through the Forbes Border Post.
In a statement, ZACC said Collins Chakamavinga, a ZIMRA official, was arrested along with clearing agents Michael Makonye, Batsirai Mangoma, Zondai Bechayi, and Steven Masaraure. The agents are affiliated with Withyou Customs Clearing (Pvt) Ltd and Tayema Investments (Pvt) Ltd.
The five are accused of colluding with ZIMRA officers to make false customs declarations, allegedly smuggling goods into Zimbabwe under the guise of importing agricultural equipment.
ZACC said it intercepted two Mozambican-registered trucks that had been cleared through the Forbes Border Post. The cargo, falsely declared as agricultural equipment, turned out to be a variety of undeclared goods.
“Investigations revealed that Collins Chakamavinga and Hillary Chiwamba released the trucks without inspection or scanning,” ZACC said. “Even after the trucks were flagged and redirected for re-searching, one was again released without examination. The motive behind this action is under investigation.”
The financial prejudice to the state is still being quantified.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Mutare Magistrates Court on July 16, 2025.
