Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Harare High Court has delivered its judgment in the widely publicised corruption case involving senior officials from the Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC) and a private contractor, convicting them of fraud in connection with the Chehoko Causeway Bridge project.
The case revolved around the fraudulent misrepresentation of US$17,990 worth of public funds allegedly paid for the construction of the bridge.
Investigations revealed that the bridge was, in fact, built by a local builder and members of the community, with no involvement from the contractor officially listed on council records.
Despite this, council officials facilitated the payment to a private company under false pretences.
The court acquitted HRDC Chief Executive Officer Luke Kalavina of fraud but ordered that he remain in custody pending sentencing for separate charges.
HRDC Engineer Romeo Tapiwa Mupamaonde was identified as the central figure in the fraud, having raised false requisitions and payment requests that led to the release of funds.
He was convicted alongside Assistant Engineer Alfred Makama, who aided in processing the illicit payments.
Batsirayi Nyamayaro, Director of Anstand Investments (Pvt) Ltd, the company fraudulently paid for the bridge, was also convicted.
The court found that Nyamayaro and his company knowingly received payments for work that was never done, using the corporate entity as a vehicle to siphon public funds.
Accused persons two through five were all found guilty of fraud and will remain in custody until sentencing, which has been scheduled for 2 July 2025.
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