Two VID Employees in Court Over Alleged Driver's Licence Fraud

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare

Two employees of the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) have appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on allegations of manipulating the department's electronic licensing system to help a woman fraudulently obtain a driver's licence after she allegedly failed her road test. The accused, Tinotenda Maningi and Chrison Chipanda, both data capture clerks at VID, are facing charges linked to the alleged abuse of official systems to facilitate the unlawful issuance of a driver's licence. They were placed on remand, with a ruling on their bail application expected on 4 August 2026.

Alleged US$200 arrangement

According to court papers, the case stems from events that allegedly occurred after Nadia Samson failed a mandatory road test on 21 June 2026. Prosecutors allege that Samson approached her friend, Anotida Gwenyere, who allegedly introduced her to Maningi after claiming he could assist her in obtaining a driver's licence outside the prescribed legal process. The State alleges that Maningi initially demanded US$250 for the arrangement before the amount was negotiated down to US$200. Court papers state that Samson subsequently provided her personal details, which prosecutors allege were used to initiate the fraudulent licensing process.

Officials accused of manipulating VID system

The prosecution alleges that Chipanda later processed Samson's application despite several mandatory licensing requirements not being met. According to the State, no road test booking fee had been paid, and the required vehicle details had not been submitted before the application was processed.

Investigators further allege that entries were made into the VID electronic system using profiles linked to other officials, creating false records indicating that Samson had successfully completed and passed the required road test. The alleged manipulation enabled the production of a Certificate of Competence, a prerequisite for the issuance of a Zimbabwean driver's licence.

Licence allegedly issued unlawfully

The State alleges that the fraudulent processing ultimately resulted in the production of a driver's licence. Prosecutors claim that Maningi facilitated the collection of the licence from an employee at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) before it was handed to Samson on 25 July 2026. The court heard that Samson allegedly paid US$200 for the illicit service.

Ministry cites integrity concerns

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, represented by VID Eastlea Depot Manager Onisimo Bumhira, is the complainant in the matter. Prosecutors argue that the alleged conduct undermined the integrity and credibility of Zimbabwe's driver licensing system, which relies on strict testing procedures to ensure motorists possess the necessary knowledge and driving skills before obtaining licences. The accused remain on remand pending the determination of their bail application. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.

VID driver's licence fraud