Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A FORMER Salary Service Bureau paymaster is facing fraud charges after allegedly manipulating the Government payroll system and siphoning thousands of dollars in salaries and pensions.
Brighton Chuzinga appeared before Harare regional magistrate, Jessie Kufa, charged with fraud.
The State, represented by Rufaro Chonzi, claimed that between 2016 and 2021, Chuzinga unlawfully altered payroll records while he was still employed at the Salary Service Bureau.
This resulted in him receiving salaries and pensions without proper authority or approval.
Investigations revealed that the manipulation affected his remuneration and that of at least 26 other payroll entries, all processed without the knowledge or sanction of the Public Service Commission secretary.
The matter came to light following an internal audit conducted in November 2018, which exposed irregularities in the Salary Service Bureau appropriation account.
According to the State, the audit established that Chuzinga’s actions prejudiced the Public Service Commission of US$39,903, and none of the funds has been recovered.
Bongani Ndlovu
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi