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A Victoria Falls auctioneer, his company, and their accountant have been convicted of fraud for illegally selling vehicles belonging to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

Jeffrey Mubaiwa, the director of JEFFM Auctioneers, was charged with two counts of fraud. The company and its accountant, Vongai Hlerema, also faced two counts each. The trio was convicted after appearing separately before Victoria Falls magistrate Mr Gift Manyika.

The crimes, committed between 2021 and 2022, involved selling vehicles outside Zimra’s official public auctions and pocketing the proceeds.
Prosecutor Ms Portia Moyo told the court that in October 2021, Mubaiwa conducted a public auction at Kazungula Border Post where a 2003 MG Rover was recorded as unsold. However, Mubaiwa later prepared a fraudulent invoice to Zimra, claiming the vehicle was sold for US$2,863 during the auction. Investigations revealed the vehicle was sold privately to Nomore Hlabano of Gweru and was later recovered.

In April 2022, another vehicle, a Land Rover Discovery 3, was listed as unsold at a JEFFM Auctioneers event. Mubaiwa later sold it privately to Terrence Mutandwa, who was unable to collect it after Zimra discovered discrepancies in the paperwork. This fraud cost Zimra US$9 794.

JEFFM Auctioneers, for the first count was fined US$700 or equivalent in Zimbabwean dollars (ZIG) at the prevailing interbank rate, with property attachment in default.

For the second, US$500 fine or equivalent, with similar provisions for default.

Mubaiwa on the first count was fined US$700 fine or equivalent; six months’ imprisonment in default. Additionally, 10 months’ imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

For the second count he was fined US$500 or equivalent; six months’ imprisonment in default. Another 10 months’ imprisonment was wholly suspended under the same conditions.
Hlerema on the other hand was fined US$500 or equivalent; six months’ imprisonment in default, for the first count.
Additionally, 10 months’ imprisonment were wholly suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

The trio was ordered to pay the fines by 31 December 2024.

The offences were uncovered during Zimra’s reconciliation process, which revealed that vehicles recorded as unsold had been sold privately. A police report led to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the three.