The Zimbabwe Commercial Sugar Cane Producers Association has approached the High Court to recover the money, which it claims was unjustifiably taken.
Chairman of the association, Simba Nyemba, said they were shocked to learn that ZIMRA had taken funds from some farmers’ bank accounts without even consulting them.
“We approached the high court seeking an interdict which was granted but ZIMRA is still holding on to the money,” he said. If not returned soon, some farmers could be destitute, he added.
“This is the money we have been banking on for us to remain afloat. If it is not returned the sugar growing business will never be the same,” added Nyemba. “As sugar cane producers we sell our product to Tongaat and ZIMRA should take its share from there,” he said.
“We have been made to believe that Tongaat pays us our money after all deductions have been made and therefore we maintain that we do not owe ZIMRA any money.”
Sources inside ZIMRA said that the tax collector was leaving no stone unturned in its battle to raise enough money for the government to pay civil servants their annual bonuses. Soldiers received a 13th cheque in November but no other workers have received it yet.
Post published in: Agriculture