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The Ministry of Sport has given boxer Charles Manyuchi assurances that Zimra will soon release his passport.
Zimra confiscated Manyuchi’s passport on July 22 when the World Boxing welterweight champion made a triumphant return home from Italy.
Manyuchi claimed that the revenue authority demanded $70 000 import duty on a trophy that he was honoured with for winning the fight.
However, after NewsDay revealed Zimra’s alleged demands, which drew fire from the public, the taxman might have backed down on the shocking demand and have communicated with the Ministry of Sports.
Manyuchi, yesterday said he had received communication that he would receive his document anytime soon.
“The Ministry of Sport office phoned me on Saturday and assured me that I will get back my passport soon,” said Manyuchi.
“They said they have engaged Zimra, who told them it was just a misunderstanding and would release it [passport] anytime. I’m now waiting to hear from them,” he added.
No comment could be obtained from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture yesterday.
Manyuchi was, however, excited at the development.
“If they release it as per the promises, it would be a good thing and I can make up plans for the preparations,” said Manyuchi.
He was supposed to travel to South Africa last week to buy next training and fighting gear for his fight in November, but had to cancel the trip as Zimra held onto the passport.
A training camp is also scheduled for Zambia next week.
The Masvingo-born star stopped Italian Gianculla Frezza in the sixth round in Sequel in Italy to retain his crown.
The trophy, a sculpted wooden, but gold-coated glove, was presented to Manyuchi in commemoration of a former great Italian boxer and world champion Primo Carnera who died in 1967.
They initially seized the trophy before releasing it on condition the boxer surrendered his passport.
Manyuchi claims he earned $12 000 from the fight, with 25% of that going into the pockets of his Zambian managers.
He later received $50 000 from President Robert Mugabe as appreciation for his efforts at a luncheon held in his honour.
newsday
