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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Buhera Rural District Council former chief executive officer, Emily Chibvongodze, and head of the procurement management unit, Torai Mudyiwa, over a US$122 345 tender scandal.
The two are accused of unlawfully awarding a tender to a company that did not meet the required standards, resulting in financial prejudice to the council.
According to ZACC, Buhera RDC initiated the tender in June 2022 to procure a motorised grader, a drill rig, an SUV, and a double cab vehicle.
Seven bidders responded, including Leapium Holdings Equipment, which secured the grader contract despite failing to meet critical requirements.
Investigations revealed that the council’s evaluation committee had flagged Leapium Holdings due to its inadequate documents, but Chibvongodze and Mudyiwa allegedly ignored the recommendations and awarded the contract to the company.
The council paid US$131 687 for the grader, but it was never delivered.
Leapium later refunded US$9 342, leaving the council with a net loss of US$122 345.
Chibvongodze and Mudyiwa are set to appear at Murambinda Magistrates Court tomorrow facing charges of criminal abuse of duty.
Online Reporter