ZACC arrests two more over US$415K Mbare biogas sc...

ZACC arrests two more over US$415K Mbare biogas scam

New Ziana

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested two directors of Synlak (Private) Limited, Vusumuzi Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu, for allegedly defrauding the City of Harare of over US$415 000 (€350,000) intended for the now-defunct Mbare biogas project.

The arrests follow investigations into the alleged misuse of a European Union grant disbursed in 2015 to support the construction of biogas digesters and a 100 KVA generator, meant to alleviate waste management and power issues in the high-density suburb.

ZACC alleges that Synlak Pvt Ltd, co-owned by Moses Mpofu who is currently in remand for a separate offence, fraudulently secured the contract by misrepresenting itself as an authorised reseller of Camda New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, a key qualification under the tender conditions.

Further investigations revealed that the accused, working in concert with former City of Harare officials, former director of Works Phillip Pfukwa and former Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube, both already on remand, allegedly manipulated internal payment procedures.

As a result, Synlak allegedly received full payment before fulfilling contractual obligations.

The funds were paid into Synlak’s accounts at CABS and BancABC, from which Vusumuzi and Mpofu, acting as signatories, reportedly made several cash withdrawals but did not deliver any completed biogas facility.

Acting Town Clerk Mabhena Moyo reported the case to ZACC after an internal audit raised red flags about the stalled project and the flow of funds.

The two accused are expected to appear at the Rotten Row Magistrates Court on Friday, where they face charges of fraud and criminal abuse of office.

The Mbare biogas scandal has become a symbol of the broader challenges facing public sector accountability in Zimbabwe, particularly in high-value infrastructure projects funded by international partners.