Three suspects implicated in a suspected car smuggling ring will remain in custody until April as police extend their investigation period. Brian Matongo (41), Tinashe Kanda (41), and Elvis Jieman (38) faced proceedings before magistrate Donald Ndirowei, who granted the State’s request for a postponement to April 10.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje cited the need for additional time to conclude investigations. The trio is accused of participating in a syndicate that smuggled vehicles into the country and misappropriated registration plates from the Office of the President and Cabinet.
According to allegations, dating back to 2018, Matongo, along with accomplices including Wisdom Ndebele (still at large), facilitated the unlawful registration of various vehicles in collaboration with authorities from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), Central Vehicle Registration (CVR), and the Central Intelligence Office of the President of Zimbabwe (CIO).
In one instance on December 12, 2017, Matongo, aided by Wisdom Ndebele, allegedly imported a Toyota Fortuner with Chassis number AHTJA3GSX00232098 from South Africa into Zimbabwe.
Exploiting loopholes in tax, licensing, and toll fee exemptions offered by ZIMRA, ZINARA, and CVR, the suspects utilized registration documents and a number plate (AFC 0405) belonging to The Office of the President and Cabinet, supplied by Kanda.
Jieman is accused of evading taxes, vehicle licensing fees, and toll charges nationwide from December 2018 to August 2023, in furtherance of the illicit operation.
