Chisango's Case Dismissal Raises Questions on Judi...

Chisango's Case Dismissal Raises Questions on Judiciary's Integrity

Zim Now Reporter

In a shocking turn of events, the case against former Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango has been dismissed, leaving many questioning the integrity of the judiciary and the procurement processes within the City of Harare.

The dismissal of this case raises serious concerns about the accountability and transparency of public officials, particularly in light of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.

The Role of the Accounting Officer

According to Section 14 of the PPDPA Act, the Accounting Officer, typically the Town Clerk or CEO of a local authority, holds the sole responsibility for procurement within any public entity. This means that the Town Clerk, in this case, Hosiah Chisango, should have been held accountable for any procurement irregularities. However, it appears that the principal buyer has been left to face the criminal charges, while Chisango walks free.

The Scope Change and Award Letters

One of the critical questions that remain unanswered is: if the Principal Buyer was solely responsible for procurement, whose request was it to change the scope of the eight awarded lots? If it was indeed the Accounting Officer, what powers does the Principal Buyer have regarding procurement processes? The lack of clarity on this matter only adds to the suspicion surrounding the case.

Furthermore, there are award letters for the eight lots, but none for the two awarded to Juluka. On whose instruction did they start work on the ground? On whose request did they get paid from the Central Government? Was it the Principal Buyer? These questions point to a deeper issue of mismanagement and possible corruption within the procurement processes of the City of Harare.

PRAZ's Query and the Compromised Judiciary

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe even wrote to the City of Harare citing the flawed process. PRAZ confirms that according to the PPDPA Act, the only person they recognise is the Accounting Officer.This further implicates Chisango, yet he remains unscathed.

Adding to the controversy is the role of Public Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi, who has been handling multiple high-profile cases, including those against Kandemiri, Ndemera, Chisango, and Gomba. Despite overwhelming evidence against Chisango as the Town Clerk and key decision-maker, he was allowed to go free, thanks to the same judge who granted them bail in the Juluka case, Judge Kwenda.

This raises serious concerns about the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary. A fresh Public Prosecutor and judge would likely provide a different perspective and ensure justice is served.

In addition the Chairperson of ZACC, Mr. Reza a former public prosecutor for the greater part of his professional career should be able to identify the rot at play and fix this mess accordingly otherwise the public would assume that he is also in cahoots with Chisango and his band of merry men.

The dismissal of the case against Hosiah Chisango is a glaring example of the compromised judiciary, the infamous but true catch and release by law enforcement and the lack of accountability within the City of Harare's procurement processes. It is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted, and those responsible are held accountable to restore public trust in the system.

The people of Harare deserve transparency, fairness, and justice, and it is high time that these principles are upheld.

The current Commission of Inquiry on the City of Harare should take up this matter, holding open proceedings to ensure transparency and public trust.