Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE laissez-faire approach to business at Mutare City Council was severely exposed when the local authority’s chief cashier — Adelaide Jani — was left to perform her duties without adequate supervision, resulting in misappropriation of thousands of dollars.
The case has implicated several senior officials from the human resources and finance departments, amid stinking allegations of workplace romance and gross negligence.
Jani’s meteoric ascent from a humble role in vehicle clamping to cashier, and subsequently chief cashier within a year, has raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny.
Although Mutare City Council Town Clerk, Mr Blessing Chafesuka confirmed that they are investigating the matter, he declined to disclose details regarding Jani’s alleged offence.
“Yes, we are currently investigating the matter. Unfortunately, it is premature to reveal any details relating to the case at this stage, until we complete our investigations and possibly hand over the matter to the police,” said Mr Chafesuka.
According to reliable sources, Jani, in her capacity as chief cashier operating in the Sakubva area, allegedly exploited a weakness in the local authority’s control systems to steal money that would have been collected as revenue from council service charges.
When contacted for comment, Mutare City Council acting finance director, Mr Ronald Guni, said: “She was promoted from vehicle clamping to cashier, and then chief cashier within a year due to her hard work. It has nothing to do with me. In any case, promotions within the council are a process that does not allow interference from me as her Head of Department. This matter is being investigated, and if necessary, a police report will be filed.”
Jani allegedly utilised her acquired ICT knowledge, believed to have been obtained from her son, who was once attached to the local authority’s computer lab, to execute the theft.
The Manica Post can also reveal that Jani offered to resign last week, but her resignation was turned down.
This publication also understands that Jani allegedly used the proceeds of crime to purchase a house in Dangamvura Area 15 and a Toyota Harrier.
The case was expected to be reported to the police last Friday.
Online Reporter