Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Terrence Mukupe, and three accomplices will remain in custody until their sentencing on November 16, as decided by Justice Benjamin Chikowero.
The delay in sentencing is to allow the judge to thoroughly review the mitigation and aggravation submissions presented by both the defence and prosecution.
Mukupe, alongside drivers Sam Kapisoriso, Joseph Taderera, and Leonard Mudzuto, was found guilty of the unlawful importation of over 138,000 litres of diesel in three tankers without paying the required duty. The conviction stems from their actions of bringing the tankers into Zimbabwe, purportedly carrying diesel intended for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, upon arrival in Zimbabwe, they replaced the legitimate fuel with water.
This case has drawn significant attention due to Mukupe’s previous position as Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development. As the legal process continues, the public awaits the outcome of the sentencing hearing, which will determine the consequences for Mukupe and his accomplices in relation to the charges of unlawfully importing diesel without paying the required duty.
