Former Harare Leaders Face $465K Fraud Allegations Over Failed Mbare Bio-Digester Projekt

Two ex-top officials from the City of Harare have faced legal action over allegations they granted a $465,290 contract to a company not deemed suitable.

The agreement involved setting up a biodigester in Mbare, Harare, following the municipality obtaining €350,000 from the European Union (EU).

The accused individuals, former Director of Works Phillip Mabingo Pfukwa (75) and ex-Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube (62), were present at the Harare Regional Anti-Corruption Magistrates Court.

In 2013, the court was informed that CoH received an EU grant aimed at funding both the design and building of biogas digesters along with setting up a 100KVA biogas generator as part of the Mbare Biogas Project.

The acquisition procedure, anticipated to be clear and open, was monitored by the Town Clerk along with the procurement committee.

In March 2015, following the receipt of four proposals, the then Director of Works and Chamber Secretary disregarded proper purchasing protocols and illegally granted the contract to Synlak (Private) Limited, a firm controlled by Moses Mpofu. This occurred even though the candidate did not satisfy the basic criteria.

Pfukwa and Ncube are additionally charged with fabricating internal documents and misstating Synlak's qualifications, which led to an unqualified company securing the contract.

The State further claims that in December 2015, Ncube deceitfully approved the contract, enabling Synlak (Pvt) Ltd to obtain the complete payment of $465,290 even though the firm did not fulfill its obligations under the project.

The pair was held over until May 14 for an indictment hearing at the High Court.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).