Harare man attempts to defraud ZRP of US$1,6m

A Harare businessman, Langton Madara, has been convicted for attempting to defraud the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of over US$1.6 million in a fraudulent scheme involving the supply of printing materials to the law enforcement agency.

Madara, the director of Preperco Investments, was sentenced to 36 months in jail by Harare regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa. However, 18 months of the sentence were suspended for five years.

The case stemmed from a 2022 ZRP tender for the supply of printing materials. Madara expressed interest and was subsequently awarded the contract. The total value of the contract was set at US$1,684,448, with an advance payment of US$252,667 due upon signing the agreement. The contract included a condition that Madara would receive the advance payment only if he provided a bank guarantee.

In January 2023, a contract was signed between Madara and the ZRP, represented by Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga. Madara was required to submit a bank guarantee to secure the advance payment, which he did in October 2023. He produced a guarantee purportedly issued by FBC Bank, Samora Machel branch. The document was stamped and bore the bank's letterhead.

However, before processing the payment, the ZRP decided to verify the authenticity of the bank guarantee. Upon investigation, FBC Bank disowned the guarantee, revealing that it had been doctored. The bank confirmed that the letterhead and date stamp were fake.

State prosecutor Tendai Tapi presented evidence from three witnesses, showing that the submission of the fake guarantee was an intentional act of fraud. The court concluded that Madara had attempted to defraud the ZRP with the aim of unlawfully obtaining the advance payment.

Madara's conviction highlights the growing concern over fraud in government procurement processes, with authorities emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in tender verification procedures.