Harare Businessman Loses US$50,000 to Bogus Clearing Agent

A Harare businessman has fallen victim to a scam after allegedly being duped by a bogus clearing agent, Tichaona Mupo Mhlakaza, who claimed he could facilitate the customs clearance of five trucks at Beitbridge Border Post. The suspect, who presented a fake ZIMRA proof of payment, was arrested after the businessman discovered that no payment had been made to the revenue authority.

The complainant, businessman Peter Sine, had engaged Mhlakaza's services in January last year to clear four Tipper Trucks imported from Durban, South Africa. Mhlakaza claimed to be a ZIMRA agent and demanded a total cost of US$52,792 for the clearance process. He allegedly showed Sine a fake proof of payment, which prompted Sine to pay the amount in full.  Follow us on our WhatsApp Channel

However, when Sine checked with ZIMRA on February 2, 2026, he was informed that no payment had been made. The proof of payment provided by Mhlakaza was found to be fake, and Sine subsequently filed a police report, leading to Mhlakaza's arrest.

Mhlakaza appeared in court over the weekend and is expected back in court for bail considerations. The incident highlights the need for businesses to exercise caution when engaging the services of clearing agents and to verify their credentials with the relevant authorities