Zimra impostors arrested in Beitbridge
Ellen Mlambo
Mirror Reporter
BEITBRIDGE – Four men who masqueraded as Zimra officials and solicited R1 000 from a motorist driving along Beitbridge – Harare Road have been remanded in custody while they await their bail ruling.
One of the suspects actually wore a T-shirt with a Zimra logo when the crime was committed.
The four, Fannie Kusuo of Rusape (31), Tarisai Makanza (23) of Beitbridge, Brendon Souza (23) of New stands in Beitbridge and Jadiel Gotore (19) of New stands, Beitbridge appeared before Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba facing a charge of impersonating Zimra officials soliciting for bribes and taking R1000 from a motorist yesterday.
They pleaded not guilty and the bail ruling will be given tomorrow. The State has opposed bail.
Representing the State, Pithey Magumula told the court that on Sunday Shepard Mawuruma (38) of Murongedze Village under Chief Maranda, Mwenezi was driving his Toyota D4D single cab from Beitbridge border post towards Masvingo.
Upon reaching Masvingo turn off, he was stopped by the suspects who were travelling in a blue Honda fit driven by Souza.
Kusuo who wore a white t-shirt with a ZIMRA logo disembarked from the vehicle and introduced himself and his accomplices as ZIMRA officials.
He demanded the complainant’s driver’s license, declaration form and his passport and they were produced. The accused said the documents were not proper and instructed the complainant to drive back to the border for re-examination and he complied.
On the way, they demanded R1 000 so that they could release him and he was released after complying.
Mawuruma however, went to Chicago roadblock and reported the matter and was advised to go and make a formal report at Beitbridge urban ZRP.
He made a report and gave the Police the registration number of the Honda Fit. Police made a follow up, arrested the accused and recovered the white t-shirt with a ZIMRA logo.
