Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
TWO senior employees at Lupane Local Board (LLB) have been arrested for criminal abuse of office after they allegedly awarded themselves council tenders in breach of the law.
Investigations by police showed that the local authority’s acting Engineer Sibonginkosi Dube, who operates Malunguza Hardware in Lupane, allegedly awarded himself a tender to supply material for the construction of a $300 000 Civic Centre by the local board.
Dube, who was employed as a Technician and was elevated to acting Engineer when the local authority attained town status, was responsible for overseeing construction work.
In June, he was paid an undisclosed amount of money to supply 400 bags of cement but only managed to deliver 20 bags and work on the project has stalled.
Dube’s alleged accomplice is Zondubuhle Mhlanga, a Buildings Inspector.
The two appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Mr Ndumo Masuku yesterday to answer to charges of criminal abuse of office.
They were both remanded in custody to next week Thursday as the State led by Mr Derrick Nkosilathi Ndlovu opposed bail.
Dube and Mhlanga were taken to court using the Form 242 as investigations into the case are still underway.
According to State papers, “the duo allegedly acted unlawfully by not advertising for tenders and unprocedurally awarding contracts.”
They are being represented by Mr Sifiso Nkomo of Mathonsi Law Chambers and Mr Bob Sansole of Tanaka Law Chambers.
Since coming to power last year in November, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has prioritised the fight against corruption, which has since resulted in a number of high profile figures being arrested.—@ncubeleon
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