News / National
Director's bid to defraud ZRP backfires
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Langton Madara, director of Preperco Investments, has been ordered to perform 360 hours of community service after attempting to defraud the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of US$1.6 million in a bond paper supply contract. Madara's sentencing follows a conviction for submitting a fraudulent bank guarantee to secure an advance payment in the contract.
Presiding magistrate Clever Tsikwa initially sentenced Madara to 36 months in prison but suspended 18 months on condition of good behavior. The remaining 18 months were also suspended, provided Madara completes 630 hours of community service at Glen View Polyclinic. The court noted that Madara was a first-time offender and that the attempted fraud was detected before any financial loss occurred.
The prosecution, led by Tendai Tapi, presented evidence showing that Madara had submitted a falsified bank guarantee to obtain an advance payment from the police. The case dates back to 2022 when ZRP advertised for reputable suppliers capable of providing bond paper in bulk. Madara responded to the tender and was subsequently awarded the contract.
In January of last year, a formal contract was signed between ZRP, represented by Commissioner General of Police Godwin Tandabantu Matanga, and Madara's Preperco Investments. The contract required a 15 percent advance payment for the bond paper order, contingent on a valid bank guarantee. Madara, however, attempted to circumvent this by submitting a fake guarantee.
The sentencing highlights ongoing measures by the judiciary to curb fraudulent activities in government contracts, with authorities emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in public procurement processes.
Presiding magistrate Clever Tsikwa initially sentenced Madara to 36 months in prison but suspended 18 months on condition of good behavior. The remaining 18 months were also suspended, provided Madara completes 630 hours of community service at Glen View Polyclinic. The court noted that Madara was a first-time offender and that the attempted fraud was detected before any financial loss occurred.
In January of last year, a formal contract was signed between ZRP, represented by Commissioner General of Police Godwin Tandabantu Matanga, and Madara's Preperco Investments. The contract required a 15 percent advance payment for the bond paper order, contingent on a valid bank guarantee. Madara, however, attempted to circumvent this by submitting a fake guarantee.
The sentencing highlights ongoing measures by the judiciary to curb fraudulent activities in government contracts, with authorities emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in public procurement processes.
Source - The Herald
