Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. HARARE, May.08 (NewsDayLive)- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested two suspects for allegedly defrauding the City of Harare of over US$415 000 meant for the European Union-funded Mbare biogas project.
In a statement released yesterday, ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu said the suspects Vusumuzi James Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu of Synlak (Private) Limited were facing charges of fraud, money laundering, and abuse of public funds.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission confirms the arrest of Vusumuzi James Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu of Synlak (Pvt) Ltd on allegations of defrauding the City of Harare in a matter involving the failed Mbare Biogas Project,” Mlevu said.
“The suspects are alleged to have fraudulently obtained payments for a contract they were not qualified to execute, prejudicing the local authority of over US$415,000.”
According to ZACC, Synlak Pvt Ltd was awarded a tender to design and construct biogas digesters and a 100KVA generator under a European Union grant administered by the City of Harare.
Investigations later revealed that the company misrepresented itself during the bidding process.
“Synlak falsely claimed to be authorised resellers of Camda New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, a key requirement under the tender specifications. This misrepresentation led to the unlawful awarding of the contract,” Mlevu said.
She said the suspects, in alleged collusion with two former senior City of Harare officials ex-director of works Phillip Pfukwa and former chamber secretary Josephine Ncube manipulated payment procedures to access the funds before delivering any work.
“These funds were deposited into company accounts held at CABS and BancABC, from which Vusumuzi and Nobukhosi Mpofu, as signatories, made substantial cash withdrawals,” she said
Mlevu said ZACC investigations were ongoing and more arrests may follow.
“This case underscores the commission’s commitment to ensuring that public resources are safeguarded and that those who engage in corruption are held accountable, regardless of their position or influence,” she said.
Vusumuzi and Nobukhosi are expected to appear at the Harare magistrates’ court on Friday.
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