Returning Zimbo Woman Loses Range Rover Case
ZIMRA rejected her application for an immigrant's rebate over alleged alterations to her passport.
Returning Zimbo Woman Loses Range Rover Case
Arreta Chidodo, a former UK-based Zimbabwean, found herself in a legal battle after being charged a whopping US$417,223.61 for a Range Rover upon her return to Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, her quest to reclaim her money hit a dead end.
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In October 2020, Chidodo arrived at Harare International Airport. The Zimbabwe Immigration Department welcomed her back as a returning resident, stamping her passport to indicate acceptance.
Chidodo had imported a Range Rover SP HE TDV6 and various household items from the United Kingdom. On October 23, 2020, she attempted to clear these goods under an immigrant rebate.
Trouble arose on October 27, 2020, when ZIMRA's Harare Port Station manager rejected her application for an immigrant's rebate. The reason? Alleged alterations to her passport. ZIMRA claimed that these changes violated section 174(1)(c) of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:12].
Returning Zimbo Woman Loses Range Rover Case
ZIMRA demanded customs duty payment for both the motor vehicle and household goods. Meanwhile, storage charges accrued as her detained goods awaited resolution.
Chidodo denied responsibility for the passport alterations. In her founding affidavit, she explained the circumstances surrounding the changes.
Justice Katiyo presided over the case. The critical question was whether Chidodo could prove her residency in the United Kingdom for at least two years, qualifying her for an immigrant's rebate. Ultimately, the court ruled against her, dismissing the application.
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“I am persuaded by the respondent that this is a misplaced application and, therefore, it is ordered that after perusing and hearing counsel. The application be and is hereby dismissed,” Justice Katiyo ruled.
