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Businessman in hot water over forged documents in ZPC tender deal
30 May 2025 at 12:06hrs | Views
A local businessman is facing criminal charges after allegedly using forged documents to land a lucrative Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) contract, in a scandal that has drawn the attention of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Edmore Chitowa, Managing Director of Epvet Investments, was arrested this week on charges of fraud and forgery linked to a 2023 tender awarded for the supply and installation of rooftop air conditioning units at Hwange Power Station.
ZACC spokesperson Phyllis Chikundura confirmed the arrest, stating that Chitowa is accused of submitting a forged National Social Security Authority (NSSA) clearance certificate to secure the contract.
"Chitowa is accused of using a forged NSSA clearance certificate to secure a tender for the supply and installation of rooftop air conditioning units at Hwange Power Station," Chikundura said.
Further allegations surfaced relating to an incident in February 2025, when Chitowa allegedly attempted to mislead ZPC officials by presenting a fake Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) notice of seizure. He claimed that six air conditioning units intended for the Hwange project had been impounded at the Beitbridge Border Post.
"Our investigations revealed that only two units were officially listed as seized. The rest of the claim was fabricated to mislead ZPC," Chikundura added.
Chitowa was brought before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and was granted bail of US$400. He was remanded to appear again on 8 July 2025.
The State was represented by prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi.
The case underscores ongoing concerns over procurement fraud in state-owned enterprises, and ZACC has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption across all sectors.
While Chitowa's deal may have been intended to cool Hwange Power Station, the legal pressure he now faces is turning up the heat.
Edmore Chitowa, Managing Director of Epvet Investments, was arrested this week on charges of fraud and forgery linked to a 2023 tender awarded for the supply and installation of rooftop air conditioning units at Hwange Power Station.
ZACC spokesperson Phyllis Chikundura confirmed the arrest, stating that Chitowa is accused of submitting a forged National Social Security Authority (NSSA) clearance certificate to secure the contract.
"Chitowa is accused of using a forged NSSA clearance certificate to secure a tender for the supply and installation of rooftop air conditioning units at Hwange Power Station," Chikundura said.
Further allegations surfaced relating to an incident in February 2025, when Chitowa allegedly attempted to mislead ZPC officials by presenting a fake Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) notice of seizure. He claimed that six air conditioning units intended for the Hwange project had been impounded at the Beitbridge Border Post.
"Our investigations revealed that only two units were officially listed as seized. The rest of the claim was fabricated to mislead ZPC," Chikundura added.
Chitowa was brought before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and was granted bail of US$400. He was remanded to appear again on 8 July 2025.
The State was represented by prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi.
The case underscores ongoing concerns over procurement fraud in state-owned enterprises, and ZACC has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption across all sectors.
While Chitowa's deal may have been intended to cool Hwange Power Station, the legal pressure he now faces is turning up the heat.
Source - B-Metro
