Harare Clearing Director in Court Over ZiG$400k ZIMRA Fraud Scheme

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)

Harare, Zimbabwe- The director of a Harare-based freight clearing company, Lawrence Zifungo (43), has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing allegations of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme. The State contends that Zifungo prejudiced the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) of over ZiG$448,000 through a fictitious payment system involving compromised tax accounts.

According to court papers, the alleged fraud began after Zifungo was engaged by Rosecraft Freight Private Limited in 2023 to assist with customs clearance. Having been granted access to the company’s ZIMRA pre-payment credentials, Zifungo reportedly began a fraudulent campaign between January and August 2025.

The Prosecution’s Case:

• Misrepresentation of Funds: Zifungo is alleged to have falsely represented that Rosecraft Freight had deposited ZiG$448,620 into a ZIMRA account held with BancABC.

• Internal Collusion: The State alleges that Zifungo worked in cahoots with unidentified ZIMRA employees who created fictitious entries in the tax authority's system.

• Unauthorized Clearance: These fraudulent entries enabled the clearance of imported goods despite the fact that no actual currency had been transferred to the tax collector.

The scheme resulted in a total financial prejudice of ZiG$448,620 to the tax authority. Appearing before the magistrate this week, Zifungo was granted bail of US$300 and ordered to return to court for trial at a later date. ZIMRA authorities have confirmed that internal investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute the staff members suspected of facilitating the "ghost payments."

Lawrence Zifungo ZIMRA fraud case