A clearing agent based at Chirundu Border Post has been arrested and charged with facilitating the theft and attempted smuggling of lead blocks valued at US$100 000.
Kudakwashe Dezi (43), who operates under Bay Shipping, was arrested on April 17 following investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit.
According to prosecutors, Dezi allegedly fraudulently cleared 19 lead blocks by entering false export documentation into the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) system, misrepresenting the consignment as being in transit from Zambia to South Africa.
However, investigations revealed that the goods were in fact located in Goromonzi after being transported from Norton. The consignment had reportedly been intended for delivery to Mozambique at the instruction of the owner.
It is further alleged that Dezi’s accomplice, Isaac Freddy, used a ZIMRA commercial invoice and release order to instruct driver Fanuel Gwamure to transport the consignment to South Africa via Plumtree Border Post.
The complainant is said to have suffered a prejudice of US$100 000
