Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
The trial of Health director Portia Manangazira, who is responsible for health planning, coordination and management of health programs in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, that was set to start yesterday flopped for the umpteenth time due to unavailability of witnesses.
Manangazira is facing four counts of criminal abuse of duty.
For the umpteenth time the State sought for a postponement because the witnesses, who are top officials in the ministry failed to turn up despite being warned to appear for trial.
Allegations are that an allocation of US$796 675 was availed by the Africa CDC in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The State alleges that between July 16 2020 and January 19 2021, Mananganzira acted unlawfully and in contrary to her duties as a public officer and authorized the procurement of goods and services amounting to US$280 529 without following tender procedures as prescribed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
Mananganzira is also reported to have acted in contrary to her duties by identifying 1000 health community workers meant to be deployed throughout Zimbabwe to raise awareness for the Covid-19 pandemic amongst the communities without involving provincial and district medical directors. The said health workers were paid US$600 each for the three months they were reportedly deployed.
Preliminary investigations revealed that 28 of the recruited health workers were related to Mananganzira including her father.
She allegedly also directed the issuance of 3290 litres of diesel coupons to privately owned vehicles not registered with the Health ministry.
