Mafume, Chidindi entangled in Harare City's medica...

Mafume, Chidindi entangled in Harare City's medical aid society corruption

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

An investigation has uncovered a web of shady deals and financial mismanagement at the Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society involving the Acting CEO, Gailord Chidindi, the Mayor of Harare Jacob Mafume and several councilors, ZimNow can exclusively reveal.

The allegations include siphoning money from HMMAS Holdings divisions, hosting unnecessary workshops, and awarding excessive fees to participants.

This publication understands that the matter is being investigated by the Special Anti-Corruption Unit, which is housed in the Office of the President and Cabinet.

According to sources close to the investigation, Chidindi has been transferring funds from the Funeral Division account to his personal meat market business account, from which he pays the Mayor and councilors for their involvement in workshops and other activities. This has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of HMMAS funds.

"Gailord Chidindi is involved in shady deals with the Mayor and some councillors. They are siphoning a lot of money from HMMAS Holdings divisions hosting numerous induction workshops in Bulawayo and other cities with the Mayor, councillors and Board members awarding them fees beyond approved levels.

"In a bid to mask the transactions, he transfers money from the Funeral Division account, a/c No: 1004341873 to his personal meat market business account, a/c No: 1006228594 and then pays the Mayor and other councilors from the Meats Marketing Business," a source close to the development told this publication.

The investigation has also revealed that several board members, including Godfrey Kusangaya, Alfred Guni, and Bozman Matengarufu, have exceeded their term limits, with some serving for over 14 years. This has led to accusations of abuse of power and a lack of adherence to the organisation's constitution.

It is further alleged that the Mayor and Chidindi have a personal company, Meats Marketing, that they use to siphon money from the City of Harare. Additionally, councilors have been accused of using workshops as a means to siphon money from the city and HMMAS.

Contacted for a comment, Mafume denied allegations as lies and threatened to sue Nehanda Radio and its sources.

"These are lies, chief. I have never been to a HMMAS workshop.

"These allegations are so vague and defamatory I reserve my right to sue you and whoever gave you this information," Mafume fumed.

In 2023, HMMAS engaged external auditors, SBS Consultants, to conduct a forensic audit. However, it was discovered that the firm was not registered with the Public Accountants and Auditors Board, which is a legal requirement.

One of the directors of SBS Consultants is reportedly Chidindi's cousin, raising concerns about a conflict of interest, nepotism and corruption.

In another incident, Chidindi was given US$190,000 in 2020 to purchase 200 coffins in South Africa, but only 25 coffins were delivered, raising questions about the use of funds.

The allegations have sparked concerns about the financial management and governance of HMMAS.

This publication understands that SACU is seized with the matter and dockets are being prepared against everyone involved.

When asked about the investigation, Thabani Mpofu, the head of the SACU remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying that an investigation is underway.

"I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation at this stage," Mpofu said.

"However, I can assure you that SACU is committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations of corruption and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable."

Chidindi was not reachable during the time of writing.

This publication understands that the commission of inquiry, which was instituted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate the operations of Harare City since 2017, is currently investigating the alleged corruption activities happening at HMMAS.

This is not the first time HMMAS is embroiled in corruption controversies.

Everisto Rukasha, the suspended CEO of HMMAS and Munyaradzi Kereke, a former adviser to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor are currently facing allegations of fraud involving US$400,000.

According to the allegations, Kereke and Rukasha forged an agreement in 2014 for the sale of Kereke's Fortress Hospital to HMMAS for US$800,000. HMMAS paid the full amount on November 7, 2014. However, on March 18, 2022, Kereke and Rukasha allegedly colluded to send a false letter to HMMAS claiming that Kereke was still owed US$400,000.

Based on this misrepresented debt, HMMAS authorised a payment to settle the outstanding amount. The allegations suggest that Kereke and Rukasha engaged in fraudulent activities, including forgery and misrepresentation, to unlawfully obtain US$400,000 from HMMAS.

The matter is yet to be finalised.

The City of Harare is rocked by many cases of corruption. Its Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango is currently being detained over dubious deals involving millions siphoned from the council coffers.