Council in $41k scam

The Guruve Rural Council is reportedly failing to account for the vanishing of a sum of $41 000, which was taken under the pretext of purchasing a new vehicle. The vehicle was not delivered.

In an interview with Bulawayo24.com, Council Chief Executive Office Tinos Marisa confirmed that the council bought a Toyota Hilux D4D sometime in February 2017  for 41k but was not delivered since it later emerged the car dealer was bogus.

"We bought it from Solution Motors which has failed to deliver and has entered into a Deed of Settlement through the High Court, Chihambakwa, Mutizwa and Partners are handling the case" said Marisa.

However, disgruntled council employees are questioning the awarding of tenders to a bogus company and have dismissed the excuse as a mere Cover up.

" it is unsatisfactory that a corporate organisation like council can be duped and award a tender to a bogus company and let 41k vanish without trace, it is a mere cover up for some underhand deals by the management", said a council employee who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Marisa further defended the tender procedure that was used in awarding the South African based company and dismissed allegations of corruption as mere perceptions.

"The vehicle was for projects and we followed the normal tender procedures hence allegations of corruption are merely perceptions" added Marisa.

Nevertheless, Guruve South Legislator Cde Patrick Dutiro also alleges corruption on the council management which he alleges could have acted in connivance with the councillors in the disappearance of the tax payers' money.

"I doubt very much the excuse given by the council; it is possible that the councillors could have taken the money for other purposes and no tender could have been awarded to a registered car dealer" said Cde Dutiro.

Guruve District Adminstrator Romeo Shangwa acknowledged that council is alleging to have been duped the motor company and have since submitted a report exonerating the management.

"Council management wrote a report explaining that they had been duped by a certain car dealer when it was trying to secure a new vehicle. I understand that the case has been handed over to Mahambakwe and Mutizwa lawyers but so far there is no cent that has been refunded," said Shangwa.

Meanwhile, the same council had its property recently attached by the Messenger of Court in pursuance of a judgement that was given in favour of ZETDC over a 44k debt for electricity consumption.

The attachments were later lifted after the two parties agreed to monthly instalments of about three thousand dollars in settling the debt.