Air Zimbabwe boss arrested for fraud

Air Zimbabwe Private Limited company secretary Grace Nyaradzo Pfumbidzayi has been arrested on six counts of fraud and one of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer for allegedly swindling the airline of more than €5 895 695 and US$1 298 827.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday confirmed the arrest of Pfumbidzayi (48).

"Pfumbidzayi is facing six counts of contravening Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Fraud) where Air Zimbabwe allegedly suffered an actual prejudice of $1 298 827,88 and €5 895 695,90," she said.

"She is also facing allegations of contravening section 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 23, ‘Criminal abuse of duty as a public officer'."

The Herald reported that Pfumbidzayi was still assisting police with investigations last night.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said Pfumbidzayi would appear in court as soon as investigations have been completed.

Pfumbidzayi was implicated in an audit report compiled by BCA Forensic Auditors on the national airline last year.

The report, which was handed over to the then Airzim board chairman Mr Ozias Bvute, recommended Pfumbidzayi's arrest together with acting chief executive Innocent Mavhunga, human resources manager Oswald Madziwa, finance, administration manager Ms Patience Tichagwa and strategy and economics boss Mr Norbert Machingauta.

Pfumbidzayi committed the offences while she was company secretary responsible for the insurance portfolio.