By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has failed to account for more than 40,000 vehicles that entered the country under Temporary Import Permits (TIPs), the Auditor-General’s (AG) latest report has revealed.
According to the 2024 audit report, 27,389 electronic TIPs and 10,464 manual TIPs were left unacquitted as of December 31, 2024. Auditor-General Rheah Kujinga said it could not be confirmed whether the vehicles exited Zimbabwe or were illegally retained in the country.
“I could not ascertain whether the vehicles had exited the country or may have been localised as they remained not acquitted. I could also not establish the extent of duty payable in relation to those localised,” Kujinga noted.
The report also criticised Zimra’s handling of impounded vehicles. Two trucks, one carrying 30 tonnes of lithium ore and another linked to undeclared chrome, were left for over a year at a freight parking site instead of being transferred to official car pounds. One truck could not be moved due to lack of offloading equipment, while the other faced mechanical faults.
“The risks or implications emanating from such are unauthorised clearance and removal of the vehicles,” the AG warned, urging Zimra to promptly relocate seized vehicles to designated facilities. In response, Zimra said it was in talks with service providers to assist with offloading and moving the trucks.
While acknowledging that some progress had been made in addressing previous audit recommendations, Kujinga said persistent issues remain. These include unresolved bank reconciliations, delayed automation of payroll processes, and outstanding customs debt from imported vehicles.
The report also flagged rising governance lapses in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals. Fifty entities failed to submit financial statements in 2024, up from 45 the previous year. At least six organisations have not filed accounts for more than three years.
Kujinga cautioned that ignoring audit findings undermines transparency, accountability, and the delivery of national development goals.
“Those charged with governance and management are urged to pay attention to the audit findings so as to address them and improve transparency, accountability, good corporate governance and service delivery,” she said.
Covering 189 financial statements from SOEs and parastatals, the report emphasised Parliament’s critical oversight role in enforcing compliance with governance laws, including the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.
