Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ACTING Buhera Rural District Council chief executive officer, Mr Ishmael Jachi and five executive members are now off the hook after the State withdrew charges of criminal abuse of office which were being levelled against them.
Mr Jachi was jointly charged with procurement clerk, Ms Theresa Mubaiwa (36), Murambinda Town Board manager, Mr Tranos Hondongwa (42), engineer, Engineer Taurayi Makoni (45), accounting officer, Mr Paul Makundidze (45) and committees’ officer, Mr Victor Tazvivinga (37).
They were charged with criminal abuse of duty as public officers, in violation of Section 174 (1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23 as well as alleged breaches of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, Chapter 22.23.
The charges emanate from the disposal of 14 commercial stands at Murambinda Town Board, where the council officials were accused of manipulating bidding procedures, prematurely issuing offer letters, and awarding stands to companies that did not submit the highest bids.
They were also accused of breaching procurement regulations.
The executives were on US$500 bail each granted by Mutare provincial magistrate, Mr Tendai Mahwe.
The local authority went on to procedurally suspend Mr Jachi from his position so that he clears his name.
Assistant Buhera District Development Coordinator, Ms Patience Dhinda was appointed the acting chief executive officer.
She also suspended the other five executives from reporting for duty.
However, by the time of going to print, Mr Jachi and his executive were yet to report for work as the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is still to recall Ms Dhinda.
Mr Jachi and his subordinates maintained their innocence, arguing that they did everything according to the book.
Last week, the State represented by prosecutor, Mr Brian Goto, withdrew the charges against the executives before plea when they made a routine appearance before Mr Mahwe.
