Tsholotsho RDC CEO faces 5 counts of corruption

Zim Now Writer

Tsholotsho Rural District Council chief executive officer, Nkululeko Sibanda, 55, and finance executive, Brighton Malandule, 51, are facing five counts of corruption involving the installation of a borehole without following due processes.

They appeared at Hwange Magistrates’ Court facing five counts of criminal abuse of office.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the two were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission following a tip- off from a whistleblower.

“It is the State’s case that on 19 October 2019, Tsholotsho RDC, through accused one, entered into a contract with Makhadu Marketing for installation of a borehole worth ZWL$164 260 without following due processes.

“Accused one (Nkululeko Sibanda) authorised the processing of the full payment of the cost of the borehole before the contractor had fulfilled the terms of contract. Accused two effected payments without carrying out due diligence,” the NPA confirmed in a statement.

It is further alleged that, in June 2021 Sibanda, without following procurement procedures, sought quotations from two suppliers for fitting up a new solar pump at Mgomeni Primary School.

“He went on to authorise processing of payment of US$1 930 to Arnorene Enterprises Private Limited and accused two effected transfers of funds without carrying out due diligence.

“In November 2021 and May 2022, Tsholotsho RDC engaged Arnorene Enterprises to do borehole maintenance at 3 sites in the council’s Ward 7 and went on to process payments amounting to ZWL$164 000 and ZWL$55 000 respectively, to Arnorene Enterprises, without following due processes.

“On 10 April 2023, Tsholotsho RDC contracted Papcastle Services Private Limited to do motor vehicle repairs worth US$7 699 without obtaining authority to engage in a direct procurement from Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. The accused persons processed payment amounting to US$7 000 between 13 May, 2023 and 11 July, 2023 without carrying out due diligence,” the NPA stated.

Accused persons were granted ZWL$1 200 000 bail each. The matter was remanded to February 5, 2024 pending finalisation of investigations by ZACC.