Two men have appeared in court over allegations that they used another company’s documents to bring potato seed into Zimbabwe from South Africa.
Antonio Manatsa, 61, and Vengai Chipondeni, 38, appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai facing allegations of fraud and smuggling.
The State alleges the pair worked with a third man, identified only as Phillip, an agent at Beitbridge Border Post employed by registered clearing agent Armsurge Enterprises. Phillip remains at large.
Prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah told the court that the accused allegedly misrepresented themselves to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority as directors of Elite Seeds Pvt Ltd.
They allegedly used Elite Seeds’ import permit number 0081227 and bill of entry number C67123 to process documents for a consignment of potato seed imported from South Africa on July 24, 2026.
However, the State says the required permits and certificates for the consignment were not in place.
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These included an import licence and Plant Pest and Diseases Permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, a Bio Safety Import Permit from the National Biotechnology Authority, an Agricultural Marketing Authority registration certificate, a SADC Certificate and a Tax Clearance Certificate.
ZIMRA Loss Control Officer Samuel Munapo is listed as the first complainant, while Elite Seeds Pvt Ltd is represented by Arnold Makomborero Mapeta.
The court heard that Mapeta only learnt that his company’s details had allegedly been used on July 24, when he was informed about the consignment.
He went to the National Railways of Zimbabwe, where the potato seed was being held, and was shown import documents bearing Elite Seeds’ name.
Mapeta reportedly told authorities that his company had not imported the consignment, prompting him to make a police report at Harare Central.
The report led to the arrest of Manatsa and Chipondeni.
The two were remanded in custody and are expected back in court on September 24, 2026.
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