Namibian company Jaji Investments owned by Garikai Prince Mushininga an alleged relative of the President of Zimbabwe ED Mnangagwa, and Valdano Brown his bodyguard has come under scrutiny in Namibia over tax evasion and breaching of Covid-19 regulations. The company supplied Covid-19 essential equipment to Zimbabwe for a sum of US$ 66 375 (approximately N$1,1 million). It is reported the company purchased the test kits from China for a paltry USD 300.
According to The Namibian, the company was incorporated by a Zimbabwean Garikai Prince Mushininga, and his partners. The company was awarded a tender to supply Covid-19 equipment without following due process.
The publication further classifies Jaji Investments as a briefcase company operating in Namibia solely for the purposes of supplying medical supplies to the Zimbabwe government using connections in the ruling government.
Jaji Investments breached the Namibian Covid-19 regulations when they supplied 4500 rapid test kits to Zimbabwe ignoring the government ban on export of Covid-19 equipment. The company also by passed tax regulations in the country. The company has been declaring zero taxes under the pretext of not operating in Namibia. The company did not pay tax despite receiving millions of Namibian dollars.
Mushininga denied allegations of tax evasion. “My accountant is responsible for the tax payments and ensures we are compliant all the time. Let me address the question of the US$300 showing in the air waybill documents. As you may know, the air waybill is furnished by the manufacturer (in this case, the Chinese company), when they ship the supplies I have bought to me. I had not noticed they changed the value, but I can only imagine my Chinese supplier issued an incorrect price on purpose so they would pay less for shipping,” he said as the reasons behind failure to declare tax from the revenue he made.
Kazembire Zemburuka, deputy director of corporate communications at the Bank of Namibia, says the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)did not shed light when asked whether Jaji Investments is being investigated for tax evasion and other irregularities as the FIC cannot disclose confidential information.
Mushininga admitted to purchasing Covid-19 rapid test kits from China via Hong Kong and was invoiced for USD 300.
“I can guarantee you I did not buy 4 500 rapid test kits for a mere US$300. I wish it were so! That money does not even begin to cover the cost of shipping all the kits to Zimbabwe. I play by the rules and provide competitive prices. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose, and that is business. But I have no interest in risking my livelihood by engaging in shady practices, which is what I feel you are suggesting,” Mushininga said in an interview with The Namibian
In another twist of events, the Namibian government has denied donating Covid-19 equipment to Zimbabwe through thee Minister of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula. “There was no such engagement between Zimbabwe and Namibia at this time,” he said.
The Namibian Ministry of Finance is investigating the exporrt activity done by Jaji Investments and will release a report on the matter according to the spokeperson of the Minstry Tonateni Shidhudhu.
South Africa opposition politician and EFF leader Julius Malema castigated the Zimbabwe First Family for looting covid-19 resources.
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