Former Deputy Minister of Zimbabwe Convicted of Fuel Smuggling, Sentencing Scheduled for Thursday
Terrence Mukupe, the former Deputy Finance Minister, has been found guilty of smuggling 138,979 litres of fuel.Mukupe, who was also a former legislator, was convicted along with Same Kapisoriso, Ngonidzashe Mutsvene, and Joseph Taderera.
The group is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which will be delivered this Thursday.The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully proven that the foursome illegally brought a tanker filled with diesel into the country without paying the required duty in 2017.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials intercepted the tanker at Chirundu border post, leading to the arrest of the four individuals.
They were charged with fraud and alternatively accused of violating section 174(1) of the Customs and Excise Act regarding false declarations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the NPA stated that the State had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development Terrence Mukupe, along with three others, has been convicted of importing 138,979 litres of fuel without paying the required duty. As a result, they caused the State to lose revenue amounting to US$55,591.
“The accused individuals are currently in custody, awaiting sentencing on November 9 at the Harare High Court.”
Prosecutors successfully proved that Mukupe and his accomplices conspired to bring 138,919 litres of diesel into the country without paying the required duty at the border.
When the tanker reached Forbes Border Post in Mutare, the four individuals falsely claimed that the diesel was destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo, thus avoiding the duty payment.
While the tanker was in Zimbabwe, the four individuals replaced the diesel with water before driving the tanker to Chirundu, where they were stopped by ZIMRA officials who wished to inspect the contents of the tanker.
