Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Five people, including top officials from the Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC) and a private contractor, were on Friday, 27 June, remanded in custody by the Harare High Court’s Anti-Corruption Court in connection with a major corruption and money laundering case involving over US$47,000 in public funds.
The accused include HRDC Chief Executive Officer Luke Kalavina, Council Engineer Romeo Tapiwa Mupamaonde, Assistant Engineer Alfred Makama, and Mavern T. Matiza, the Director of Marloshac Investments (Pvt) Ltd, the company at the centre of the scandal.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the case involves a series of fraudulent transactions and procurement violations that defrauded the council of US$47,266.21.
Among the charges, the accused are alleged to have falsely claimed that Marloshac Investments constructed the Kaspiriki Causeway Bridge, leading to the misappropriation of US$18,800.
Further allegations include the diversion of plumbing materials valued at US$3,889.75 meant for Chiedza Clinic, and the submission of fraudulent claims amounting to US$6,075.37 for the supposed construction of ablution facilities at the same clinic.
In another instance, the accused reportedly facilitated the procurement of building materials worth US$8,501.09 from a supplier, Bels Trade, goods which were never delivered.
None of the funds lost in the scheme have been recovered to date.
The NPA said the case underscores the gravity of procurement manipulation and abuse of public office within local government structures. Judgment in the matter is expected on 8 July 2025.
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