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ZACC arrests couple over US$415,000 Mbare biogas scandal
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The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested two directors of a private company accused of looting over US$415,000 intended to bring clean energy to Mbare through a biogas project - a scheme that has instead ended in controversy and criminal charges.
Vusumuzi James Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu, both directors of Synlak (Pvt) Ltd, were apprehended this week in connection with the now-failed Mbare Biogas Project, which was funded by a €350,000 (US$415,000) grant from the European Union. The project was designed to supply the high-density suburb with renewable energy via a 100KVA biogas generator — but not a single watt was ever produced.
"They secured the contract through misrepresentation," said ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu. "Synlak lied about being authorised resellers of Camda New Energy Technology Co. Ltd — a key tender requirement."
ZACC alleges that the Mpofus, working in cahoots with former senior officials at the City of Harare — including ex-Director of Works Phillip-PFukwa and former Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube — manipulated the tender process and ensured payments were made before any work was completed.
According to the anti-graft body, funds meant for the project were funneled into Synlak's CABS and BancABC accounts, then siphoned through suspicious cash withdrawals and transactions.
"These payments were made before project completion," Mlevu said. "That's how the funds vanished — without a single generator in sight."
What was once hailed as a landmark green energy initiative for Mbare has now become a symbol of systemic corruption and abuse of donor funds. The failed biogas installation has left residents disappointed and international funders questioning project oversight mechanisms.
The scandal also entangles Moses Mpofu, another Synlak director, who is already on remand for unrelated charges, while the city officials implicated are also behind bars pending their court proceedings.
The case was reportedly triggered by a tip-off from Harare's Acting Town Clerk, Mabhena Moyo, who raised the red flag, prompting ZACC's swift intervention.
The Mpofus are expected to appear at Rotten Row Magistrates' Court on May 9, 2025 to face fraud and corruption-related charges.
ZACC has pledged to ensure full accountability in the misuse of public and donor funds.
"Public funds are not personal piggy banks," Mlevu said. "The law will take its course."
The Mbare Biogas Project now stands as a cautionary tale about unchecked corruption, raising urgent questions about transparency, procurement integrity, and governance in Zimbabwe's public infrastructure projects.
Vusumuzi James Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu, both directors of Synlak (Pvt) Ltd, were apprehended this week in connection with the now-failed Mbare Biogas Project, which was funded by a €350,000 (US$415,000) grant from the European Union. The project was designed to supply the high-density suburb with renewable energy via a 100KVA biogas generator — but not a single watt was ever produced.
"They secured the contract through misrepresentation," said ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu. "Synlak lied about being authorised resellers of Camda New Energy Technology Co. Ltd — a key tender requirement."
ZACC alleges that the Mpofus, working in cahoots with former senior officials at the City of Harare — including ex-Director of Works Phillip-PFukwa and former Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube — manipulated the tender process and ensured payments were made before any work was completed.
According to the anti-graft body, funds meant for the project were funneled into Synlak's CABS and BancABC accounts, then siphoned through suspicious cash withdrawals and transactions.
"These payments were made before project completion," Mlevu said. "That's how the funds vanished — without a single generator in sight."
What was once hailed as a landmark green energy initiative for Mbare has now become a symbol of systemic corruption and abuse of donor funds. The failed biogas installation has left residents disappointed and international funders questioning project oversight mechanisms.
The scandal also entangles Moses Mpofu, another Synlak director, who is already on remand for unrelated charges, while the city officials implicated are also behind bars pending their court proceedings.
The case was reportedly triggered by a tip-off from Harare's Acting Town Clerk, Mabhena Moyo, who raised the red flag, prompting ZACC's swift intervention.
The Mpofus are expected to appear at Rotten Row Magistrates' Court on May 9, 2025 to face fraud and corruption-related charges.
ZACC has pledged to ensure full accountability in the misuse of public and donor funds.
"Public funds are not personal piggy banks," Mlevu said. "The law will take its course."
The Mbare Biogas Project now stands as a cautionary tale about unchecked corruption, raising urgent questions about transparency, procurement integrity, and governance in Zimbabwe's public infrastructure projects.
Source - B-Metro
