Harare businesswoman allegedly declares clothes and fake flowers as farm equipment in US$80k duty scam

ZimNow Court Reporter

A Harare businesswoman has appeared in court accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority of nearly US$80,000 in import duty by disguising clothes and fake flowers as farm equipment.

Rutendo Hazel Chiveso, 42, director of Sinyochiv Procurement Services, was granted US$300 bail after appearing before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.

The State alleges that earlier this year, Chiveso’s company imported two containers from China, packed with 1,143 cartons of clothes, fake flowers and foam balls.

Working with clearing agent Natural Manyeku, the consignment was allegedly processed using fake invoices and shipping documents to show it was “agricultural equipment,” which does not attract duty.

Using the doctored paperwork, the goods were cleared at Forbes Border Post in Mutare, leading Zimra to waive US$79,986 in duty.