Zimra employee in Court for alleged abuse of offic...

Zimra employee in Court for alleged abuse of office

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Reporter

Tawanda Mupingo, a 46-year-old Zimra employee from Chitungwiza, stands accused of criminal abuse of office. He appeared before Harare Magistrates' Courts magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing charges related to his duties as a public officer.

The prosecution, led by Thomas Chanakira, alleges that Mupingo misused his authority. In February 2023, Zim Alloys, through the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe , submitted a bill of entry for exporting chrome concentrate to South Africa. The permit was valid until May 15th, 2023. However, the court heard that Mupingo allegedly extended this permit in the Zimra Asycuda System without proper authorization from either Zim Alloys or MMCZ.

This extension, if proven true, is particularly concerning as it reportedly coincided with the export of a significantly larger amount of chrome concentrate (37 truckloads weighing 1258 tonnes) than originally permitted (34 tonnes). The recipient of this additional chrome is alleged to be Reddy Cargo Services South Africa via Wajuka Enterprises.Mupingo was released on US$100 bail and is due back in court on July 26th..