CARS REBATE SCHEME : 34 CONVICTED newsdzeZimbabweNewsdzeZimbabwe

CARS REBATE SCHEME : 34 CONVICTED newsdzeZimbabweNewsdzeZimbabwe

More than 3,000 cases of alleged abuse of the discount system on civil servants’ vehicles are now being investigated, with 34 individuals already convicted, as authorities step up efforts to crack down on unscrupulous people exploiting the system.

The campaign, which seeks to ensure compliance with procedures and combat corruption, follows alarming reports that several beneficiaries used forged rebate letters to illegally import vehicles.

The vehicle rebate programme, designed to help long-serving civil servants purchase cars for personal use, has become a target of abuse.

In an interview, Prosecutor Justice Luis Matanda Moyo said they target those who abuse the discount system.

She stressed the government’s commitment to recover taxpayers’ money and prevent its misuse in the future.

Justice Matanda Moyo added that measures had been implemented to ensure that perpetrators did not escape punishment.

“My office does not tolerate any form of corruption, and currently there are six prosecutors in court accused of accepting bribes.

“This should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can escape justice,” she said.

Head of the Assets and Forfeitures Unit at the Zimbabwe National Prosecuting Authority, Mr. Chris Mutangadura, confirmed that 3,000 cases were under investigation, and 34 cases had already been prosecuted.

“Yes, more cases are set to come to light and we are committed to pursuing everyone who participated in such fraudulent activities to ensure that those who participated are brought before the courts,” he said.

Mr Mutangadura said property owned by individuals found guilty would be confiscated to the state. This includes five individuals allegedly involved in the illegal importation of vehicles.

At the heart of the scandal are Tambudzai (Yvonne Musoni), Tapiwa Gono, Maxwell Mukaru, Demetriu Manhangu, and Dylan Shigama.

A statement issued by the NPA last week revealed that Tapiwa Gono illegally imported a Nissan Note (registration number AGC2772) using the details of a government employee.

This was done under the guise of being a trainee nurse, using a fake debit letter bearing a reference to Trust Gave, causing a loss of US$4,128 to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra).

Another important case involved Elvis Mururu, who illegally purchased a Honda Fit that had been imported by Maxwell Mukaru.

Mokaru allegedly used a rebate letter (No. 28/3/448/21/9) despite there being no record of him applying for a rebate at the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.

This resulted in a loss of ZWL396 935.19 to Zimra.

Furthermore, Demetrio Manhango illegally imported another Honda Fit (registration number AGC1714) using the Civil Servants Rebate Scheme.

He took advantage of a debit letter (No. 9/28/3-4463/22) belonging to Alice Benhura, resulting in a loss of ZWL2 656 630.25 to Zimra.

The case of Tambodzai Yvonne Musoni highlights the extent of the abuse.

A former Zimra employee allegedly hacked her boss’s electronic signature to fraudulently approve the import of more than 400 vehicles into Zimbabwe under the Civil Servants Discount Scheme.

This incident raises serious questions about the integrity of the systems in place to regulate such activities.

NPAZ says it is actively working to recover funds lost due to these fraudulent activities.

“We are pursuing those who abused the deduction system to recover all losses caused by their actions,” Judge Matanda Moyo said.

She reiterated the importance of accountability in government operations, saying that combating corruption remains a top priority.

The vehicle discount scheme was originally created to provide civil servants with the opportunity to purchase vehicles at a lower cost, facilitate personal transportation and improve their quality of life.

However, widespread misuse of the program not only undermined its purpose but also led to significant losses for the government.

A joint operation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and ZIMRA has revealed that more than 3,000 vehicles were illegally imported through abuse of tax rebates offered to civil servants in 2019.

The comprehensive investigation demonstrates the scale of the problem and the need for tough measures to prevent future abuses.

Mutangadura said that as authorities continue to uncover more fraudulent activities, the possibility of more prosecutions looms on the horizon.

“We are determined to ensure that anyone involved in these activities is brought to justice,” he added.

Mr Mutangadura stressed that the government was committed to restoring public confidence and integrity in civil service operations.

In light of these developments, the government is now focusing on implementing more stringent regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.

NPAZ is working closely with Zimra and other relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement capabilities. Herald




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