Two men have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court accused of demanding US$10,000 from an importer in exchange for facilitating the clearance of a truckload of imported clothing through the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
Edson Ngara and Phineas Nyamhunga are facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as public officers. Prosecutors allege they acted with a third suspect, identified only as Maponga, who remains at large.
According to the State, the complainant, who imports bales of new clothing from Tanzania, sought assistance after experiencing difficulties clearing goods through ZIMRA.
The complainant was allegedly introduced to Ngara through a mutual acquaintance, who claimed he could facilitate the customs clearance process.
Prosecutors allege Ngara demanded US$10,000 for each rigid truck carrying imported clothing.
On July 15, 2026, the complainant and his business partner imported a truckload of new clothes through Mukumbura Border Post using a Mercedes-Benz rigid truck.
The court heard that the complainant later met Ngara in Norton before travelling together to Belgravia Shopping Centre in Harare, where US$10,000 was allegedly handed over on the complainant's behalf.
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Ngara allegedly contacted Maponga before accompanying the complainant to Nyamhunga's office, where the cash was allegedly handed to Maponga.
According to the State, Maponga returned US$1,000 to the complainant and instructed him to convert it into local currency to pay customs duty at ZIMRA's Kurima House offices.
The complainant was allegedly told the clearance arrangements had been completed.
However, instead of being cleared as expected, the truck was reportedly taken to ZIMRA's BAK Storage facility, where both the vehicle and its cargo were seized.
The complainant allegedly demanded a refund after the arrangement failed. Prosecutors say US$1,700 was returned, leaving an outstanding prejudice of US$9,000.
The State alleges the accused abused their positions by soliciting money to perform duties they were required to carry out lawfully.
The matter was remanded for further proceedings.
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