Beitbridge Bureau – The relentless crackdown on illicit activities at the Beitbridge Border Post has ensnared yet another Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official, sending ripples of unease through the corridors of the national revenue agency. Anthony Madowe, a 36-year-old revenue officer, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged role in facilitating the illegal export of 37 truckloads of chrome concentrate into South Africa.
Madowe’s arrest comes hot on the heels of the detention of two other Zimra officials, Simon Homera and Kudakwashe Nyatsawu, who were remanded in custody this week for facilitating the smuggling of a combined 26 trucks of chrome concentrate. The arrests have sparked a wave of concern about the extent of corruption at the border post, a critical gateway for Zimbabwe’s trade with neighbouring countries.
Madowe, who appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba, on Thursday, was charged with criminal abuse of office. He was granted US$200 bail pending trial on August 15.
The prosecution, led by Miss Tinayeishe Matenga, alleges that Madowe committed the offence in February. He is accused of failing to properly acquit a Bill of Entry number E2159, which had been used by Zim Alloys to clear its chrome concentrate. Subsequently, Madowe allegedly used the same Bill of Entry to facilitate the illegal export of 37 trucks laden with 1328 tonnes of chrome concentrate, shipped from Mvurwi to a warehouse in South Africa.
This brazen act of deception, according to the prosecution, resulted in a significant loss of export royalties for the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ). The exact financial impact of the illegal exports is yet to be determined, but it is believed to be substantial, further exacerbating the already precarious financial situation of the MMCZ.
The arrest of Madowe, the third Zimra official to be apprehended in connection with chrome smuggling in just a few days, has sent a tremor through the ranks of the revenue authority. It has also raised serious questions about the effectiveness of Zimra’s internal controls and its ability to curb illicit activities at the border post.
“This is a clear indication that there is a serious problem with corruption within Zimra,” said a senior official from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), who requested anonymity. “The fact that these officials are willing to risk their careers and freedom for personal gain is a cause for serious concern.”
The arrest of Madowe and his alleged accomplices has also highlighted the vulnerability of the country’s mineral resources to illicit activities. The smuggling of chrome concentrate, a valuable commodity used in the production of stainless steel, has been a persistent problem at the Beitbridge Border Post for years.
“This is not a new phenomenon,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, who also requested anonymity. “The problem is that the demand for chrome is high, and the rewards for smuggling are lucrative. This makes it difficult to deter these activities.”
The government has been trying to crack down on chrome smuggling for years, but the problem persists. President Mnangagwa is on record saying exportation of several mineral raw materials is prohibited as it hinders the economic growth of Zimbabwe.
The arrest of Madowe has also raised concerns about the role of Zim Alloys in the smuggling operation. Some of the company’s employees are alleged to have been involved in the illegal export of the chrome concentrate.
