Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
BULAWAYO magistrates’ court was the stage for a legal showdown last Tuesday as Kenneth Nyakujawa, director of Rota Cons Engineering and Public Works district officer, faced allegations of diverting a US$2 002 school painting project to his own company.
Nyakujawa (40) appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Richard Ramaboea, charged with concealing from a principal a person interested in a transaction. He pleaded not guilty. The magistrate remanded him in custody until 19 November for the commencement of his trial. Nyakujawa was represented by lawyer Constance Mathaba of Makiya and Partners.
Prosecutor Denmark Chihombe told the court that in 2024 Nyakujawa, acting for the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, visited Founders High School to assess painting works and prepare a bill of quantities for the project.
It is alleged that Nyakujawa learned the school intended to engage the ministry for the painting works. In December last year, he reportedly informed school authorities that the ministry did not have enough painters and recommended that his own company, Rota Cons Engineering, be hired instead.
The school subsequently engaged Rota Cons Engineering and paid US$2 002 for the painting of the administration block and a classroom. Nyakujawa allegedly supervised the project both as a representative of his company and as a Public Works district officer, creating a conflict of interest.
To conceal the project from his employer, the court heard, Nyakujawa did not submit a site handover certificate or site supervision reports to the ministry. The prosecution stressed that it was not part of his official duties to solicit or secure contracts for his company while performing his role as a public officer.
The case has raised eyebrows over the potential misuse of public office and conflicts of interest in Government projects. Citizens and watchdog groups are watching closely as the trial unfolds, highlighting concerns over accountability in public procurement.
Nyakujawa’s legal team argued that he acted within the law and had no intention of concealing the project from his employer. The court will hear further evidence when the trial resumes on 19 November.
