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Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) acting chief executive officer Engineer Moses Juma and non-executive director Mr Davison Norupiri have been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on allegations of defrauding the parastatal of thousands of dollars.
Although details were still sketchy by last night, it is believed that the two had been defrauding Zinara by not following tender procedures on procurement, among other underhand dealings.
A source close to the matter told The Herald yesterday that Mr Norupiri, as a board member, was not supposed to be involved in the day-to-day running of the organisation.
“He was now involved in the day-to-day operations of Zinara, especially in activities that involved finances, such as procurement or purchasing anything, yet he was a non-executive director. He was conniving with Eng Juma in all these nefarious activities and not following the normal tender procedures,” said the source.
In an interview yesterday, ZACC principal public relations officer Mrs Phyllis Chikundura confirmed the arrests.
“Yes, I can confirm that the two have been arrested and they will appear in court tomorrow (today),” she said.
The two were yesterday detained at Avondale Police Station as investigations into their case continued.
Last month, Government ordered a forensic audit on the operations of Zinara, amid growing speculation that the road fund was being abused.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed ordering the audit.
This came amid speculation that the road fund could have lost thousands of dollars to senior executives who occupied dual positions and have reportedly been drawing obscene perks under unclear circumstances since 2014.
Sources at Zinara said the situation at the road fund was strange as Eng Juma and administration and human resources director Mr Precious Murove had been occupying dual positions since 2014.
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