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Municipality audit exposes 92 000 litres fuel scandal
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A damning internal audit at Chitungwiza Municipality has revealed shocking levels of fraud, mismanagement and possible collusion among officials, with more than 92 000 litres of diesel worth US$138 000 unaccounted for.
The audit, which covered the period between January and July 2025, was presented to the municipality's Audit Committee this month. Investigators found that weak internal controls, deliberate manipulation of records and poor coordination between departments created fertile ground for large-scale fuel theft.
According to the report, 92 358 litres of diesel, valued at US$138 537, could not be reconciled with official records. Auditors ruled out equipment failure, saying the storage tanks and pumps were functional, with only "minimal variance" detected. Instead, they pointed to systemic fraud.
"The fuel reconciliation results done at the stores are either not communicated to management or management is not making use of the reconciliations, as the fuel received does not tally with fuel issued out," the report noted. It further highlighted that while the fuel dispenser was working, the bulk meter was not, leaving the council dependent on inaccurate manual dipping.
One of the most glaring cases involved a council driver, identified as A. Mawire, who allegedly siphoned 2 660 litres of diesel worth nearly US$4 000 by altering authorised fuel coupons. Although Mawire reportedly admitted the irregularities during interviews, he failed to provide a written response to auditors.
Another incident implicated an official, Mr M. Matsikidze, who claimed 180 litres of diesel for a generator at St Mary's Clinic, which auditors later confirmed was non-functional. Matsikidze argued that the fuel had been diverted to the head office generator, but no supporting evidence was provided.
Auditors also flagged structural governance failures, including a lack of coordination between the Engineering Department, which manages the municipal fleet, and the Finance Department, which oversees fuel supplies. This loophole allowed fuel to be allocated to non-functional vehicles and equipment.
"The fuel tank main hole is not secured, which may result in fuel syphoning," the audit further warned.
Senior finance officials did not dispute the findings, instead pledging corrective measures. Auditors have since recommended urgent interventions, including repairing the bulk meter at the pump station, recalibrating tanks, securing the storage manhole, reshuffling staff at the fuel depot and installing electronic monitoring systems on all council vehicles.
Residents say the scandal has worsened poor service delivery. "We are constantly told there is no fuel for refuse trucks or ambulances, but thousands of litres are being looted," said a Zengeza 2 resident. "That is why garbage is piling up in our streets and why clinics are struggling."
Municipal spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko confirmed that several officials have been suspended to allow a full investigation. "Council is determined to ensure that any individual found guilty of fraud or misconduct faces the full consequences, in line with labour laws and criminal statutes," he said.
This is not the first time Chitungwiza Municipality has been tainted by scandal. In 2020, an audit exposed management extravagance, including unauthorised luxury trips for executives, while in 2023, the local authority was accused of failing to remit US$13 million in pension contributions deducted from workers' salaries.
The latest revelations have once again raised questions over accountability in one of Zimbabwe's largest urban councils.
The audit, which covered the period between January and July 2025, was presented to the municipality's Audit Committee this month. Investigators found that weak internal controls, deliberate manipulation of records and poor coordination between departments created fertile ground for large-scale fuel theft.
According to the report, 92 358 litres of diesel, valued at US$138 537, could not be reconciled with official records. Auditors ruled out equipment failure, saying the storage tanks and pumps were functional, with only "minimal variance" detected. Instead, they pointed to systemic fraud.
"The fuel reconciliation results done at the stores are either not communicated to management or management is not making use of the reconciliations, as the fuel received does not tally with fuel issued out," the report noted. It further highlighted that while the fuel dispenser was working, the bulk meter was not, leaving the council dependent on inaccurate manual dipping.
One of the most glaring cases involved a council driver, identified as A. Mawire, who allegedly siphoned 2 660 litres of diesel worth nearly US$4 000 by altering authorised fuel coupons. Although Mawire reportedly admitted the irregularities during interviews, he failed to provide a written response to auditors.
Another incident implicated an official, Mr M. Matsikidze, who claimed 180 litres of diesel for a generator at St Mary's Clinic, which auditors later confirmed was non-functional. Matsikidze argued that the fuel had been diverted to the head office generator, but no supporting evidence was provided.
Auditors also flagged structural governance failures, including a lack of coordination between the Engineering Department, which manages the municipal fleet, and the Finance Department, which oversees fuel supplies. This loophole allowed fuel to be allocated to non-functional vehicles and equipment.
"The fuel tank main hole is not secured, which may result in fuel syphoning," the audit further warned.
Senior finance officials did not dispute the findings, instead pledging corrective measures. Auditors have since recommended urgent interventions, including repairing the bulk meter at the pump station, recalibrating tanks, securing the storage manhole, reshuffling staff at the fuel depot and installing electronic monitoring systems on all council vehicles.
Residents say the scandal has worsened poor service delivery. "We are constantly told there is no fuel for refuse trucks or ambulances, but thousands of litres are being looted," said a Zengeza 2 resident. "That is why garbage is piling up in our streets and why clinics are struggling."
Municipal spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko confirmed that several officials have been suspended to allow a full investigation. "Council is determined to ensure that any individual found guilty of fraud or misconduct faces the full consequences, in line with labour laws and criminal statutes," he said.
This is not the first time Chitungwiza Municipality has been tainted by scandal. In 2020, an audit exposed management extravagance, including unauthorised luxury trips for executives, while in 2023, the local authority was accused of failing to remit US$13 million in pension contributions deducted from workers' salaries.
The latest revelations have once again raised questions over accountability in one of Zimbabwe's largest urban councils.
Source - Sunday Mail
