Masvingo Town Clerk in court for criminal abuse of duty and fraud

THE Masvingo town clerk has been dragged to court for criminal abuse of office.

Edward Mukaratiwa allegedly authorised the service of a Toyota Prado VX-L instead of a Toyota Prado VX 3.0 litre which was approved by the City of Masvingo, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

In a statement on X, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said: “The Toyota Prado VX 3.0 litre engine was valued at US$109 151 whilst the Toyota Prado VX-L was valued at US$251 798.”

Mukaratiwa faces another count of fraud where he misrepresented to the Masvingo City Council that a Toyota Hilux motor vehicle had been allocated to him as his condition of service vehicle yet the vehicle was given as a donation by the African Development Bank for the maintenance of water supply and sanitation infrastructure within Masvingo. Acting on the misrepresentation the Masvingo City Council agreed to transfer ownership to the accused person. Said the NPAZ.

He was remanded out of custody until August 9, 2024.