Zimpapers Logo

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The Ferret team has arrested two Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials at Beitbridge Border Post after they facilitated the smuggling of building material worth $20 200 that was in transit from South Africa to Bulawayo.

Wisdom Matsekedza (35) and Muchineripi Hokonya (32), who are both revenue officers, were still in custody by yesterday, assisting police with investigations.

The Ferret team is made up of the police, other security agencies and the Zimra Anti-Smuggling Unit.

Matsekedza and Hokonya are accused of facilitating the smuggling of 500 chromatic IBR roofing sheets from the neighbouring country after pocketing a R2 000 bribe from a man who was transporting the contraband.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc)’s commissioner responsible for investigations Mr Goodson Nguni commended the police and the border authorities for the arrest.

“We commend the police for a job well done and we will continue working with them in bringing all perpetrators of corruption to book and taking them to court for prosecution,” said Mr Nguni.

In a written response, Zimra Commissioner-General Ms Faith Mazani said: “I acknowledge that two of our officers were apprehended by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at Beitbridge Border Post on suspicion of corruption charges.

“I would like to thank the alert members of the ZRP who have partnered us in stamping out corrupt elements at our border posts.

“As Zimra, we have a zero-tolerance to corruption and we would like to warn any would-be offenders that the long arm of the law will catch up with them if they are found to be engaging in corrupt activities or any forms of underhand dealings.

“Zimra will commence the internal disciplinary procedures under our Code of Conduct to mete the appropriate penalties on any officers found guilty.

“Once again, Zimra remains committed to serving the nation in order to collect the much-needed revenue for the State and I would like to thank our law enforcement agents for partnering us in dealing with corrupt elements within our members of staff. It is our hope that justice will prevail and that the courts will continue to make deterrent verdict(s) against any forms of corruption.”

Sources close to the investigations said the contraband and the South African-registered truck had been impounded by Zimra under notice of seizure numbers 017344 and 017 345 respectively.

“The two will be appearing in court soon facing charges of criminal abuse of office,” said one source.