The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has apprehended four officials from the Harare City Council on allegations of improperly awarding a street lights tender valued at over US$9.2 million to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company associated with businessman Moses Mpofu. Mpofu, who is already facing fraud charges, reportedly holds a stake in the company despite its failure to meet tender requirements.

The arrested individuals include Never Murerwa (62), Jabulani Mukomazi (44), Denford Zhungu (69), and Tawanda Mutenhabundo (29), all of whom were part of the tender evaluation committee for the streetlight refurbishment project. They stand accused of sidestepping competitive bidding procedures and showing favoritism towards Juluka Enndo, which had previously failed to deliver on contractual obligations.

The alleged malpractice occurred during preparations for the SADC Summit, prompting waivers from normal procurement rules to expedite the project. Despite Juluka Enndo’s disqualification due to its failure to meet bidding requirements, the accused officials purportedly ignored this and irregularly granted the company the tender, thereby breaching procurement regulations and potentially causing Harare City a financial loss amounting to US$9,244,328.71.

ZACC has confirmed the arrests, emphasizing that the accused face charges of abusing their positions as public officials. They are set to appear in court for their initial remand hearings.

In other news – Chitungwiza man jailed 20 years for murder

A Chitungwiza man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the cold-blooded murder of his nephew, whom he suspected of stealing his radio speaker. Owen Katsande, along with accomplices who remain at large, was found guilty of premeditated and senseless murder by High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi.

According to court documents, Katsande accused the deceased, Robert Nyatsine, of stealing his musical instrument from his home in Chitungwiza. He then mobilized his friends to track down and punish the suspected thieves. Read More