ZACC TO PRESS NEW CHARGES AGAINST TOWN CLERK

February 5 2025

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is preparing to press new charges against Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango and several accomplices following the withdrawal of charges related to a US$9 million street lights scandal by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

In a statement, ZACC noted the NPA’s decision to withdraw charges against Chisango, along with four other officials, Never Murerwa (Supply Chain Manager), Denford Zhungu (Principal Accountant), Tawanda Mutenhabundo (Engineering Technician), and Artkins Mandaza (Principal Contracts Administrator).

Only Jabulani Mukomazi, the Harare City Council Principal Buyer, remains indicted.

ZACC said it respects the NPA’s position but maintained that the accused are criminally liable for the fraudulent awarding of the street lights tender and should defend their actions in court.

“Accordingly, ZACC is looking into the matter and will be preferring new charges against the five accused persons,” the statement read.

Chisango was initially arrested over the US$9.2 million street lights scandal, facing charges of criminal abuse of office.

The allegations indicate that he, along with the other officials, awarded a tender worth over US$9.2 million to Juluka Endo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without adhering to due process.

In January, the City of Harare resolved to rehabilitate streetlights in preparation for the 44th SADC Summit scheduled for next month.

On January 29, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PRAZ) granted specific exemptions to expedite key projects. The tender was officially gazetted on March 15 and published on the PRAZ portal on March 19, attracting responses from 11 companies.

However, on March 28, Murerwa allegedly appointed a tender opening committee that included his accomplices, who then awarded the tender for the rehabilitation of eight of the 10 lots to four companies.

Despite Juluka Endo being disqualified for failing to meet tender requirements, the officials allegedly colluded to award the remaining two lots to the company, disregarding their earlier decision.

Notably, Juluka Endo’s owners also have ties to Synlak (Pvt) Ltd, which had previously failed to deliver on a biogas digester tender awarded in 2019. According to the State, this disqualified them under the bidding conditions, which stipulate that companies with poor execution records on previous contracts are ineligible.

The City of Harare subsequently entered into a contract with Juluka Endo, preparing for an advance payment of US$9,244,328.71. — The Herald.