NSSA boss in court for fraud

Cosmas Chikwawawa, a research and schemes planning manager at the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), has appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court facing allegations of defrauding his employer of ZWL$14 million through fake and inflated school fees invoices.

Chikwawawa, charged with three counts of fraud, was granted US$200 bail by Magistrate Dennis Mangosi.

The State alleges that Chikwawawa submitted falsified school fees invoices for his three children, inflating costs and misrepresenting their enrollment details to claim excess payments from NSSA.
First Count:

Chikwawawa is accused of presenting invoices from Direct Contact College in Harare, claiming ZWL1,852,500 (US$2,758.97) per child for the first term of 2023. However, the children were actually enrolled at Emmanuel High School, where total fees for the term were US$3,865. NSSA paid ZWL5,557,500 (US$8,276.91), causing a loss of ZWL2,962,361.97 (US$4,411.91).
Second Count:

In another instance, Chikwawawa allegedly claimed fees for his children under invoices from Dendera High School in Mudzi, where fees were pegged at ZWL539,671.77 (US$485) per child. Instead, he used Emmanuel High School invoices and was paid ZWL1,713,596.96 (US$1,540) per child, causing further losses.
Third Count:

For the third term of 2023, Chikwawawa reportedly claimed school fees using invoices from Cornerstone Executive College, where fees were pegged at US$1,540 (ZWL7,091,119.88) per child. NSSA disbursed ZWL21,273,359.64 (US$4,620) in total. However, his children were actually enrolled at Wilmar High School in Goromonzi, where fees were US$2,900 for all three children combined.
Total Loss:

The alleged fraudulent claims led to NSSA losing a total of ZWL14,040,089.63 (US$9,296.91). None of the misappropriated funds have been recovered.

The matter has been postponed to allow further investigations. If convicted, Chikwawawa could face significant penalties for defrauding the state authority.