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Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
THREE Mutare Teachers’ College employees have been arrested on allegations of stealing $3.6 million from the institution.
Njabuliso Ncube (37), Alfred Gotore (62) and Abison Mutubuki (56) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Richard Ramaboa.
The matter was remanded to May 11, 2023 and the three suspects were bailed $100 000 each.
The suspects were represented by Mr Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu legal practitioners; Mr Justine Fusire of Mupindu Legal Directorate; Mr David Tandiri of Tandiri Law Chambers, and Mr Nicolas Nhambura of Mugadza Chinzamba and Partners.
Ms Joyce Tinarwo prosecuted.
The court heard that on February 6, 2020, Mutare Teachers College submitted a project proposal on the production of baobab fruit juice to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.
Ms Tinarwo said the ministry evaluated the project and recommended it for funding.
On February 18, 2020, the ministry made a request to the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) for the release of $13 248 230 for the construction of innovations and industrial park factories.
“The request was for four institutions. A total of $3 602 400 was specifically for the establishment of a baobab fruit juice manufacturing plant at Mutare Teachers College.
“The three accused persons, acting in connivance, hatched a plan to divert the money to another use under the disguise of purchasing baobab pulp for the project,” said Ms Tinarwo.
“Ncube originated several internal requisitions for the purchase of baobab fruit pulp, which Gotore recommended for payment. Mutubuki approved the purchases and authorised payments for the purported purchase of the baobab fruit pulp,” she said.
Ncube is a lecturer at Mutare Teachers College and is responsible for the baobab fruit juice project.
“He is the same person who raised the requisitions for the purported purchase of the baobab fruit pulp. He is also the buyer for the Mutare Teachers College senior common room committee, and in charge of all procurements,” said Ms Tinarwo.
She said other members the senior common room committee denied involvement in the baobab fruit pulp deal.
“They denied ever having sight or knowledge of the transactions indicated on invoices supplied by Mutare Teachers College purporting that the committee had supplied the college with baobab fruit pulp.
“It was a surprise to them as the main business of the committee is to sell sadza and refreshments,” said Ms Tinarwo.
“The accountant at Mutare Teachers College tried to explain to the accused persons that it is against proper management of public funds to divert money to an account that is not administered by the college.
“Mutubuki, who is the accounting officer, was advised to desist from approving those transfers,” said Ms Tinarwo.
As a result of the trio’s actions, the college was prejudiced $3 602 400.
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