By Fanuel Chinowaita
Harare, Zimbabwe – February 4, 2025
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has acknowledged the withdrawal of charges against five Harare City Council officials implicated in a US$9 million street lights tender case but insists they remain criminally liable.
In a press statement, ZACC confirmed that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had withdrawn charges against Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango, Supply Chain Manager Never Murerwa, Principal Accountant Denford Zhungu, Engineering Technician Tawanda Mutenhabundo, and Principal Contracts Administrator Artkins Mandaza. However, Harare City Council Principal Buyer, Jabulani Mukomazi, has been indicted.
“ZACC respects the position taken by the NPA and acknowledges that it is the mandate of the prosecuting authority to institute and manage criminal prosecutions in Zimbabwe,” the commission stated.
Despite the NPA’s decision, ZACC maintains that the five officials should be held accountable for their involvement in the fraudulent awarding of the tender. “The Commission, however, maintains that the accused persons are criminally liable for the fraudulent awarding of the tender and should defend their actions in court,” ZACC emphasized.
ZACC further stated that it is “looking into the matter and will be preferring new charges against the five accused persons.”
The anti-corruption body reaffirmed its commitment to fighting graft and urged the public to “Refuse, Resist, and Report Corruption.”