The Herald
Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Income Authority (ZIMRA) has impounded two Kwekwe Metropolis Council ambulances for circumventing import tax, as investigations into the tax fraud involving former Director State Residences within the Workplace of the President and Cupboard Douglas Tapfuma deepen.
The ambulances, which have been donated to the native authority by Cde Vongaishe Mpereri throughout his tenure as a Member of Parliament for Mbizo, have been introduced in from South Africa, and ZIMRA has queries on clearance of the autos upon entry into the nation.
Tapfuma was allegedly concerned in importing the ambulances along with 81 different autos with out paying tax.
Cde Mpereri stated the ZIMRA officers had some investigations to make concerning the clearance of the autos.
“We purchased the ambulances in South Africa utilizing the CDF funds, so the officers have questions on the clearance of the autos,” he stated. “However I’m instructed that the investigations are virtually full and the autos might be returned to council in just a few days. We aren’t there to dam the authorities from finishing up their duties.”
Contacted for remark, ZIMRA head of company communications Mr Francis Chimanda confirmed the probe, however declined to present extra particulars citing secrecy provisions.
“Please notice that the question pertains to a person’s clearance and when it comes to the secrecy provisions in each the Income Authority Part 34A and the Customs and Excise Act, Part 210, we’re not ready to supply a response,” wrote Mr Chimanda in response to e-mailed questions.
Performing Kwekwe City Clerk Dr Lucia Mnkandla stated council officers have been at nighttime over the seizure of the ambulances.
“I can affirm that ZIMRA took away two of the ambulances that have been handed over to council by Cde Mpereri,” she stated. “We’re, nonetheless, not conscious of the explanations behind the seizure of the autos.”
Dr Mnkandla stated the native authority’s ambulance fleet had been left depleted and just one ambulance was practical.
“We now have been left in dire straits as we’re left with just one ambulance that’s up and operating,” she stated. “Two others are down, so the ambulances had helped to ease the scenario within the city.”
