HARARE — A Harare businessman, Trevor Zibgwowa (35), appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing serious fraud charges after allegedly defrauding the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of over ZiG2 million through a failed clearing transaction.
Zibgwowa, who runs Trevomz Industries Private Limited, was granted bail of US$500 by Magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, pending further trial proceedings. The case has sparked concern among the business community and government agencies, highlighting vulnerabilities in clearing processes and raising questions about corporate accountability.
The prosecution, represented by Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleged that on 30 August this year, Zibgwowa made a false deposit of ZiG2,149,248 into a ZIMRA account, purportedly on behalf of Trevomz Industries. Based on this misrepresentation, ZIMRA authorised the clearance of goods worth the same amount.
However, the apparent deposit turned out to be fraudulent. On 8 September, ZIMRA received information suggesting that the deposit was not genuine. An internal audit conducted by the authority later confirmed that no such deposit had been made. Acting swiftly, ZIMRA reported the matter to the police on 19 September, triggering a police investigation that culminated in Zibgwowa’s arrest.
According to court records, the alleged fraud resulted in a loss of ZiG2,249,750 for ZIMRA, and none of the funds have been recovered to date. The case has been adjourned to allow the prosecution and defence to prepare for trial.
Magistrate Mutendereki emphasised the seriousness of the offence during the bail hearing, noting that it involved deliberate deception against a government institution. However, she granted bail on humanitarian grounds, citing the accused’s lack of prior convictions and his stable family circumstances.
“This is a serious offence which undermines public trust in business dealings and revenue collection systems,” Magistrate Mutendereki said. “However, given the nature of the case and the personal circumstances presented, bail is granted, with conditions attached.”
Harare Businessman in Court Over Alleged ZiG2 Million Fraud Against ZIMRA
The conditions of bail include regular reporting to the nearest police station and surrendering travel documents to prevent the accused from fleeing the jurisdiction.
The case has stirred debate within Zimbabwe’s business circles about the risks of fraudulent activity in clearing and customs procedures. ZIMRA, as the country’s revenue collection agency, plays a critical role in facilitating trade while safeguarding state revenue. Cases such as this underscore the importance of robust verification systems and vigilant oversight.
Speaking on the matter, a ZIMRA spokesperson expressed disappointment over the incident and reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to safeguarding public resources. “We take such allegations very seriously,” the spokesperson said. “ZIMRA is committed to strengthening controls and audits to prevent fraudulent activities that compromise our operations and erode public trust.”
Legal analysts have weighed in on the case, noting that it could set a precedent for how fraud cases involving corporate entities and government agencies are handled in Zimbabwe. Advocate Tinashe Chikafu said, “If proven, this case reflects a significant breach of trust and abuse of the clearing process. The courts will need to send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.”
For his part, Zibgwowa, through his legal counsel, denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence. His defence argued that the purported deposit was a legitimate transaction that failed due to banking system delays. The defence further indicated that they would produce evidence to support this claim at trial.
“This is a case of misinterpretation of a genuine transaction,” his lawyer told the court. “We will prove that there was no fraudulent intent and that Mr Zibgwowa acted in good faith throughout.”
The case is expected to be closely followed, not only for its implications for the accused but also for the wider business community. Fraud against government bodies not only erodes trust but also impacts trade efficiency, investor confidence, and public revenue collection.
Business commentators note that the incident highlights the importance of compliance, transparency, and ethical conduct in corporate operations. “Corporate governance should be a priority for all businesses,” said a local economist. “Cases like this erode trust between the private sector and government and can have a long‑term impact on the economy.”
Zibgwowa remains out on bail, but the court proceedings are expected to draw significant attention given the scale of the alleged fraud and the involvement of ZIMRA — a key institution in Zimbabwe’s economy.
As the case unfolds, it will serve as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance and strong accountability frameworks in both public and private sectors. The matter has been adjourned to a later date, with the next hearing expected to delve deeper into the evidence surrounding the alleged ZiG2 million clearing fraud.
For now, the Harare Magistrates’ Court will keep the accused under bail conditions as the legal process continues, while ZIMRA intensifies its internal controls to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
