Inside The High-Stakes Customs Fraud Scandal: ZIMRA Officers, ASYCUDA Manipulation, And Chatunga Mugabe's Seized Luxury Fleet!
Reported By: Lovemore & Gossip News Special Investigations Desk
Published: November 12, 2026 | 6 min read
An in-depth investigative look into how Plumtree Border Post officials allegedly manipulated customs databases to protect a US$818,000 Lamborghini Urus and a Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 linked to Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe—triggering a massive anti-corruption crackdown.
The mounting legal saga surrounding the seizure of two ultra-luxury vehicles linked to Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe—the son of the late former President Robert Mugabe—has blown the lid off systemic vulnerabilities at Zimbabwe's ports of entry. With two senior Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officials recently securing bail after appearing before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mark Dzira, investigators are untangling a web of digital record manipulation, evaded customs duties totaling nearly US$550,000, and aggressive resistance against anti-corruption operatives.
Bypassing Border Protocols: The Plumtree Breach
At the heart of the prosecution case against ZIMRA officers Edwin Mhondiwa Chabuda (43) and Upenyu Chaurura (51) is the alleged exploitation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). Both officials, stationed at the Plumtree Border Post, were mandated to physically inspect vehicles entering under Temporary Import Permits (TIPs) before certifying their re-export.
State Prosecution Brief:“Instead of ensuring vehicles were physically re-exported or formally cleared upon permit expiration, the accused acted in concert with accomplices to falsely log that the high-end automobiles had departed for South Africa.”
Financial Audit: Valuation and Revenue Deficit
Detailed customs audits revealed staggering valuations and duty liabilities that the illicit clearances sought to bypass, exposing ZIMRA to massive financial losses.
Luxury Asset Valuation & Unpaid Duty
Valued at US$818,689.69 inclusive of duty. Cleared by Chabuda on 12 July 2026 despite permit expiry, evading US$469,472.75 in state revenue.
Valued at $162,360.51 inclusive of duty. Cleared by Chaurura on 2 October 2026 after its August expiry, evading $79,818.31 in duty.
The Newlands Showdown & ZACC Crackdown
The operation took a dramatic turn when Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigators, led by spokesperson Simiso Mlevu's asset recovery taskforce, tracked the vehicles to Brompton Guest House in Newlands, Harare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plumtree officers Edwin Chabuda and Upenyu Chaurura allegedly used the ASYCUDA portal to falsely log that temporary import permit (TIP) vehicles had exited the country without conducting physical inspections.
Combined unpaid customs duties and levies for the Lamborghini Urus and Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 total US$549,291.06.
The ZIMRA officers were granted US$500 bail by Bulawayo magistrate Mark Dzira with strict reporting and witness-protection conditions, while Chatunga Mugabe and co-accused face separate criminal proceedings over the assault of ZACC officers.
Content is compiled by PaHarare Extreme from public commentary, user submissions, and online sources. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date reports, we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any developing stories, opinions, or media featured on the platform.
Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.