Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested former Buhera Rural District Council chief executive officer, Emily Chibvongodze and head of the procurement management unit, Torai Mudyiwa on allegations of unlawfully awarding a tender to a company that did not satisfy the prescribed requirements, resulting in financial prejudice to the local authority.
The two are charged with criminal abuse of duty.
In June 2022, Buhera RDC initiated a tender to procure a motorised grader, drill rig, an SUV, and double cab vehicle.
Seven bidders responded, including Leapium Holdings Equipment, which later secured the grader contract despite failing to meet critical requirements.
Investigations revealed that the council’s evaluation committee flagged Leapium Holdings because of inadequate documents they had submitted and requested for submission of the said documents before any award could be considered.
The company had allegedly not submitted mandatory documents, including VAT clearance, NSSA registration, and dealership authority.
It is alleged that on August 5, 2022, Chibvongodze and Mudyiwa ignored the evaluation committee’s recommendations and granted Leapium Holdings the award on the grounds that they were the lowest bidder.
Chibvongodze went on to sign a contract with Leapium Holdings for the grader, and Buhera RDC paid US$131 687.
The grader was never delivered.
Leapium later refunded US$9 342.00, leaving the council with a net loss of US$122 345.00.
The accused persons will appear at Murambinda Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Online Reporter