Lornah Bhobho, a 35-year-old pharmacist from Chikanga, Mutare, has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in a fraudulent scheme that exploited the civil servants’ duty-free vehicle import program.
The case was heard in the Mutare Magistrates’ Court, where she faced serious charges of fraud.
The court’s proceedings revealed that in March 2023, Bhobho purchased a Toyota Aqua and subsequently created a counterfeit rebate letter.
This forged document included a falsified ZIMRA reference number and incorrectly asserted that she had received authorization from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to import the vehicle duty-free.
Through this deceitful act, Bhobho deprived the state of a staggering ZWL$4,264,625.17 in revenue.
In light of this evidence, Bhobho was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of US$400. Should she fail to pay the fine, she faces an additional two months in prison.
According to regulations, civil servants and employees of service commissions who are not provided with a condition-of-service vehicle can import cars duty-free, provided they meet certain criteria.
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To qualify, they must have a minimum of ten years of government service, and the vehicle must be less than ten years old at the time of import.
For health workers employed by the Health Services Board or grant-aided facilities, the required service period is shortened to just two years.
The value of eligible vehicles ranges from US$2,500 to US$15,000, with a higher limit reserved for specialist doctors.
Additionally, recipients are mandated to retain their vehicles for five years post-import and are prohibited from selling them during that period.
