Customs fraudster Paul Masarirambi – granted bail

THE trial of a clearing agent who is believed to be part of an alleged smuggling syndicate which prejudiced the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and various companies of over US$500 000 has been set for April 9.

Paul Masarirambi (35), from Chitungwiza, is alleged to be part of a scam involving the smuggling of an assortment of goods from China into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Border Post.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared before the Beitbridge resident magistrate charged with smuggling, theft of trust property and forgery yesterday.

Bail was set at US$500 and Masarirambi was ordered to surrender his passport and reside at his given address until the matter was finalised and not to interfere with State witnesses.

Zimra, Zambezi Power (Private) Limited, Tapway Empowered Brokers, Tredcor North Zim Pvt limited, Paulmal Electrical and Pecus Enterprises lost a total of US$548 909,25 through the scam.

Prosecutor Jabulani Mberesi told the court that between January and December last year, Masarirambi, who is one of the directors of Paulmal Electronics, allegedly duped Zimra and several companies in connivance with three other company directors who are still at large.

The four were reportedly engaged to facilitate the shipping of goods into the country.  The suspects then allegedly falsified customs documents and managed to clear the goods using the Removal in Bond (RIB)    facility.

He was arrested after prejudicing Zimra of US$147 577, 51 in customs duty and stealing US$127 970, 89 from Zambezi Powers (Pvt) Limited which had hired him to clear a consignment from China.