The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has warned the public, staff, and its clients about a syndicate of fraudsters impersonating ZIMRA officials in a scam targeting taxpayers.
The scam involves individuals posing as tax officers to solicit bribes under the pretext of conducting tax audits.
In a statement issued on 24 May, ZIMRA said its investigations have identified the ringleader of the syndicate as Naison Kuzamba, also known by the alias “Kedha.”
He is said to be coordinating a network of impostors and is currently wanted by the police in connection with several outstanding criminal cases.
According to ZIMRA, Kuzamba and his accomplices have been contacting taxpayers via SMS and phone calls, claiming to be conducting tax audits before demanding bribes to cancel or alter the outcomes of those audits.
The fraudsters use a range of aliases, including Arnold Mukundi, Edna Chikwaro, Bernard Paradza, Sharon Matsika, Belinda Njeki, Jabangwe, Kanengoni, Muchena, Kupara, and Murape.
The mobile numbers used in the scam include 0777 597 023, 0719 316 877, 0716 489 276, and 0716 261 716.
ZIMRA stressed that it has no connection to these individuals or the names they use. The authority reminded the public that it does not conduct official business via personal platforms such as SMS, WhatsApp, Twitter, or Facebook. The authority said:
All legitimate ZIMRA officials carry valid staff identity cards and never request monetary deposits into personal bank accounts for conducting official business.
Clients must never be intimidated into making payments to individuals claiming to act on ZIMRA’s behalf.
ZIMRA is urging anyone who receives suspicious calls or messages or who may have information about the scam to report the matter immediately.
Reports can be made to ZIMRA Loss Control on 0712 840 066, 0719 529 800, or 0712 845 604; the nearest ZIMRA office; or the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
The tax authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and ethical conduct, and called on the public to help combat corruption and protect each other from fraud.
Back to top