Former Harare City Officials in Court Over US$465K...

Former Harare City Officials in Court Over US$465K Tender Fraud

Zim Now Writer

Two former Harare City officials, Phillip Mabingo Pfukwa ,75, and Josephine Ncube ,62, have appeared before the Harare Regional Anti-Corruption Magistrates' Court on charges of criminal abuse of office.

The allegations stem from their involvement in unlawfully awarding a US$465,290 contract to a company deemed undeserving while serving in their respective municipal roles.

The case traces back to 2013 when the City of Harare secured a €350,500 grant from the European Union to fund the Mbare Biogas Project. The initiative aimed to design and construct biogas digesters and install a 100KVA biogas generator. As per standard procurement procedures, a transparent tender process was required, overseen by the Town Clerk and the Procurement Committee.

However, in March 2015, after four bids were submitted, Pfukwa, who was serving as Director of Works at the time, and Ncube, then Chamber Secretary, reportedly bypassed due process. They unlawfully awarded the contract to Synlak Pvt Ltd, a company owned by Moses Mpofu, despite the applicant failing to meet the necessary tender requirements.

The accused are alleged to have falsified internal documents and misrepresented Synlak’s eligibility to secure the contract.

In December 2015, Ncube is further accused of fraudulently signing off on the contract, allowing Synlak to receive the full US$465,290 payment, despite failing to deliver on the project.

Following their court appearance, both accused individuals have been remanded until May 14, 2025, pending possible indictment to the High Court.