News / National
Zimbabwe police officer embezzles US$623 000
13 hrs ago | Views
A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Isaac Chigidora (28), who oversaw administration and human resources for the ZRP Consolidated Fund, has been charged with embezzling a staggering US$623,462.79.
Chigidora allegedly siphoned the funds in cash from the consolidated fund's safe deposit box and was remanded in custody pending a ruling on his bail application, which is set for tomorrow.
The case is being prosecuted with ZRP representation by Chief Inspector Lameck Munyaka, acting as the secretary of the ZRP Board of Trustees.
The State alleges that between September 2023 and July 2024, Chigidora falsified reports of transferring funds to Joyce Mine, a ZRP asset that ceased operations in 2021. Instead of executing these transfers, Chigidora allegedly misappropriated the funds for personal use.
The ZRP Board of Trustees discovered the irregularities during an audit, leading to Chigidora's arrest while serving as the officer in charge of operations in Mutoko.
No recoveries of the missing funds have been made, raising concerns about internal controls within the ZRP Consolidated Fund's financial management systems.
Chigidora's arrest has sent shockwaves through the police force, with the case highlighting serious lapses in oversight and accountability. Chief Inspector Munyaka emphasized the gravity of the case, given the substantial sum involved and the alleged betrayal of trust by a senior officer.
The court is expected to deliberate on whether Chigidora poses a flight risk or could interfere with investigations before ruling on his bail application.
This case has drawn attention to financial management practices within the ZRP, with questions raised about how such a large sum could be embezzled without detection over an extended period.
The ZRP has vowed to strengthen internal controls to prevent future incidents, reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
As investigations continue, the ZRP hopes to recover the missing funds and ensure justice is served in what is being described as one of the largest embezzlement cases in its history.
Chigidora allegedly siphoned the funds in cash from the consolidated fund's safe deposit box and was remanded in custody pending a ruling on his bail application, which is set for tomorrow.
The case is being prosecuted with ZRP representation by Chief Inspector Lameck Munyaka, acting as the secretary of the ZRP Board of Trustees.
The State alleges that between September 2023 and July 2024, Chigidora falsified reports of transferring funds to Joyce Mine, a ZRP asset that ceased operations in 2021. Instead of executing these transfers, Chigidora allegedly misappropriated the funds for personal use.
The ZRP Board of Trustees discovered the irregularities during an audit, leading to Chigidora's arrest while serving as the officer in charge of operations in Mutoko.
Chigidora's arrest has sent shockwaves through the police force, with the case highlighting serious lapses in oversight and accountability. Chief Inspector Munyaka emphasized the gravity of the case, given the substantial sum involved and the alleged betrayal of trust by a senior officer.
The court is expected to deliberate on whether Chigidora poses a flight risk or could interfere with investigations before ruling on his bail application.
This case has drawn attention to financial management practices within the ZRP, with questions raised about how such a large sum could be embezzled without detection over an extended period.
The ZRP has vowed to strengthen internal controls to prevent future incidents, reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
As investigations continue, the ZRP hopes to recover the missing funds and ensure justice is served in what is being described as one of the largest embezzlement cases in its history.
Source - The Herald
