ZACC arrests director over alleged grocery smuggling at Plumtree

illustrative image of imported goods under investigation

By Anna Miti

HARARE — The Zimbabwe Anti‑Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Prosper Isaka, director of Profutunny Investments (Pvt) Ltd, over allegations that he smuggled grocery consignments into Zimbabwe by misrepresenting them as agricultural equipment at Plumtree Border Post, ZACC said.

According to the commission, the alleged scheme took place between March and June 2024, when Isaka imported groceries from Boss Foods (Pvt) Ltd but declared the consignments as agricultural equipment to avoid paying import duty. ZACC says the misrepresentation resulted in a loss of ZAR 2,700,876.45 in import duties to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Alleged modus operandi and implicated officials

ZACC’s statement names several clearing agents and revenue officers already facing trial in connection with the matter:

• Clearing agents: Nyasha Moyo; Blessing Kodzawako.

• Revenue officers: Luckson Chikwara; James Dzimirwa; Tinotenda Allen Mawoyo.

The commission alleges the scheme involved falsified or misleading documentation presented at Plumtree Border Post, enabling grocery consignments to be cleared under a lower‑duty classification reserved for agricultural equipment.

Isaka’s arrest follows earlier prosecutions of other individuals linked to the alleged scheme. The matter is now before the courts as ZACC continues investigations and prepares files for prosecution. Authorities may pursue additional inquiries to determine the full extent of the alleged network, recover lost duties, and identify any further officials or intermediaries involved.

ZACC typically works with ZIMRA and the Attorney‑General’s Office when building corruption and customs‑fraud cases; outcomes can include criminal charges, asset forfeiture, and administrative sanctions for implicated public servants.

ZACC framed the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to protect public revenue and deter customs fraud. Smuggling and misclassification of imports can significantly reduce government revenue and distort fair competition for legitimate importers and local suppliers.

Prosper Isaka arrested ZACC Plumtree smuggling 2026