Staff Reporter
Harare residence have applauded government’s decision to forfeit properties belonging to convicted former ZIMRA officer Tapiwa Evans Chidemo who was arrested on fraud charges in 2018.
A source who spoke to this publication said, arrests of perpetrators and forfeiture of properties acquired through corrupt means should a way to deter would be offenders from committing fraudulent crimes. The source said most people who have acquired riches fraudulently only serve their jail term which usually is short then they return to leave a flashy life style.
“Forfeiting properties acquired through corruption is the only way government can deter potential offenders from criminal activities. At least one knows that even after they are released from jail, there is no money to splash around. Usually people get arrested for a short time then when they return, they start leaving large”, said the source.
Government through The National Prosecuting Authority have since forfeited properties worth US$1, 1 million dollars from convicted Chidemo. Chidemo was convicted for fraudulently diverting Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds meant for ZIMRA clients. Properties forfeited include, mansions in Glen Lorne and Chishawasha Hills in Harare, one Mercedes-Benz and a flat.
Since the assumption of office, President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic have been in a ‘No to Corruption Mode’. Minister Joram Gumbo has since been charged by Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for allegedly directing a government-owned airline to use property owned by his relative as its headquarters.
In another case, former Minister of Health and Child Care Obadiah Moyo, was also fired by President Mnangagwa on allegations of corruption regarding US$60 million to procure COVID-19 medical supplies. Former Minister Moyo had awarded contracts to Drax International LLC and Drax Consult without following a transparent tender process.
Meanwhile the source has also urged government to make sure that they make follow-ups on all pending cases that are still within the court of laws.
