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Salani Ncube Chronicle Reporter
A ZIMBABWE Revenue Authority (Zimra) official at Kazungula Border Post connived with a clearing agent to smuggle a vehicle and an assortment of goods into the country, a court heard. The value of the car and goods were not revealed in court. A clearing agent employed by Pernod Enterprises Clearing Company was dragged to the Victoria Falls magistrates’ court last week charged with two counts of smuggling.

Through his lawyer, Mr Thulani Nkala, Zibusiso Maphosa (24) pleaded not guilty.

Victoria Falls magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje remanded him out of custody to July 14 on $100 bail.

It is alleged that Mr Francis Jones Michael, a truck driver who wanted to import a truck and some goods on May 30 approached Maphosa, who is stationed at Kazungula Border Post.

Instead of following procedure, it is alleged, Maphosa approached Peter Makhohliso, a Zimra employee and the two connived not to declare the goods to the commercial section.

Prosecuting, Listen Nare said: “On May 30 the accused was given some documents by a truck driver to hand over to the Zimra commercial section for clearance.”

Maphosa didn’t go to the commercial section but instead connived with Makhohliso who issued a fake temporary import permit after date stamping, the court heard.

The court was told that Maphosa was given a fake temporary import permit but was unlucky as an alert security guard noticed the anomaly and alerted authorities.

Maphosa was arrested on the spot.

It could not be established what action was taken against Makhohliso.