THE High Court has given a Harare couple employed by the
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) 30 days to explain the source of their
wealth, failing which their properties valued at $762 000 will be forfeited to
the State.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)’s Asset Forfeiture
Unit filed an urgent chamber application against Tapfumaneyi Zunguza and his
wife Cathrine Laji in March and Justice Tawanda Chitapi granted the order on
April 16.
Circumstances into the matter are that the pair are
employed by Zimra as revenue supervisor and revenue officer, respectively. According to the application, sometime in 2009, the couple
acquired residential stands number 3807 and 3808 in Mainway Meadows, Waterfalls,
Harare.
During the same year, they bought another stand in
Helensvale measuring 2 200 and construction commenced in 2011 and was completed
in 2013.
The NPA further alleged that the couple bought a Mazda BT50
twin cab for $40 000, but as per requirement with their employer, they were
supposed to declare the assets from time to time.
According to NPA, during the time which the couple acquired
the property, their lawful income amounted to $60 053,13 collectively.
“The respondents be and are, hereby, required to give a
statement to the head of CID Commercial Crimes Division’s Asset Forfeiture Unit
at Morris Depot in Harare within 30 days from the date of service of this
order,” the judgment read.
“An explanation by the respondents as to where and from
whom they obtained the money/value to buy and develop the above-mentioned
movable and immovable property. Production of all relevant documents/records
related to movement of the said money/value used to acquire the said property,”
the High Court added.
The High Court also gave an interim freezing order against
the couple or any other person with interest in the properties in terms of
section 37H of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of Money
Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act and Exchange Control Act) Regulations,
Statutory Instrument 246/2018. Newsday
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