By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Harare- The Harare High Court has convicted four individuals in a high-profile fraud case involving the Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC). The accused were found guilty of falsely claiming payment for construction work on the Chehoko Causeway Bridge.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the case centred around a fraudulent claim and payment of USD 17,990 for construction work on the Chehoko Causeway Bridge.
The offenders falsely attributed the work done on the Chehoko Causeway Bridge to a private contractor when in fact the bridge had been constructed by a local builder and community volunteers, entirely outside the official contract.
CEO of Hurungwe Rural District Council was acquitted of the fraud charge, but remains remanded in custody for sentencing in respect of other related offences.
Romeo Tapiwa Mupamaonde, an Engineer at HRDC played a central role in raising fraudulent internal requisitions and payment requests. Alfred Makama, the assistant Engineer at HRDC assisted in facilitating and approving payments despite knowing that no work had been done by the listed contractor.
Batsirayi Nyamayaro, Director of Anstand Investments (Pvt) Ltd, knowingly received and withdrew illicit payments for work his company never performed. Anstand Investments (Pvt) Ltd is the Corporate entity used as the vehicle to siphon public funds under false pretences.
The court convicted Accused 2 to 5 of fraud and found that their actions prejudiced HRDC of public funds meant for community development.
Though Accused 1 (Kalavina) was acquitted on the fraud count, all five accused persons have been remanded in custody for sentencing. Sentencing is on the 2nd of July 2025.
This case exposes how coordinated internal abuse of office can be used to loot public resources and highlights the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability in local governance.