By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is investigating 25 properties in Harare’s upmarket Borrowdale Brooke estate linked to Finance Ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.
ZIMRA has asked the Borrowdale Brooke Homeowners Association to provide detailed information on the properties, including the names of owners and tenants, lease commencement dates and contact details.
The request was made under Section 39 of the Income Tax Act.
The homeowners association sought legal advice on the request and determined that it was obliged to provide the information, according to sources.
Sources said that the tax authority wants to establish the ownership and tax status of the 25 properties associated with Guvamatanga.
Guvamatanga, a former chief executive of Barclays Bank Zimbabwe, has served as permanent secretary in the Finance Ministry since 2018.
His responsibilities include overseeing public finances and advising on revenue policy.
The reported number of properties has raised questions about the ownership and tax affairs of a senior Treasury official with an extensive property portfolio in one of Harare’s wealthiest suburbs.
Guvamatanga has previously been linked to businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has secured several state-linked contracts.
In 2021, reports said Tagwirei chartered a private jet for Guvamatanga and his wife for a trip connected to Arsenal, with spending of about US$50,000 reportedly covered by the businessman.
The latest inquiry comes as ZIMRA steps up efforts to identify taxable assets and income, although sources said the Borrowdale investigation was specifically focused on establishing ownership and tax compliance in relation to the properties.
ZIMRA and Guvamatanga had not publicly commented on the investigation by Monday.
