News / National
Senior BCC officer in the dock over fuel scandal
1 hr ago |
92 Views
A senior divisional officer at Bulawayo City Council (BCC) responsible for the ambulance unit, Peter Dube, appeared in court on Monday, facing allegations of defrauding the council of 37,560 litres of fuel valued at approximately US$54,637.
Dube appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Richard Ramaboea on 13 counts of fraud. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody to Thursday, November 27, 2025, for the commencement of his trial.
According to the prosecution, Dube had been authorised by the council to refuel his official vehicle at Khami Stores or Famona Fire Station for work-related duties. Prosecutor Denmark Chihombe told the court that the accused repeatedly misrepresented fuel needs to attendants and failed to account for fuel properly, diverting it for personal use.
The offences reportedly spanned from February 2021 to November 2024. In February 2021, Dube allegedly misappropriated 472.49 litres of diesel, worth US$689.84. In March, he allegedly diverted 491.07 litres valued at US$716.96, followed by 771.9 litres worth US$1,126.97 in April, and 614.11 litres valued at US$896.60 in May.
The pattern continued over the years, with the accused allegedly misappropriating 887.3 litres in mid-2021 worth US$1,295.40 and 5,460.76 litres between September 2021 and May 2022 valued at US$7,972.71. In June and July 2022, Dube allegedly took 413.77 litres worth US$604.10, followed by 1,524.5 litres between August and November 2022 valued at US$2,225.77.
Between January and April 2023, he allegedly diverted 3,790.05 litres worth US$5,533.47, while between May 2023 and March 2024, he reportedly took 9,787.43 litres valued at US$14,289.65. Further alleged diversions included 4,924.03 litres from April to June 2024 worth US$7,189.08, 1,499.62 litres in July 2024 valued at US$2,189.45, and 6,923.84 litres from August to November 2024, amounting to US$10,108.81.
The court will hear the case when it resumes later this week. The charges, if proven, highlight ongoing concerns regarding the management of municipal resources and the integrity of public officials.
Dube appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Richard Ramaboea on 13 counts of fraud. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody to Thursday, November 27, 2025, for the commencement of his trial.
According to the prosecution, Dube had been authorised by the council to refuel his official vehicle at Khami Stores or Famona Fire Station for work-related duties. Prosecutor Denmark Chihombe told the court that the accused repeatedly misrepresented fuel needs to attendants and failed to account for fuel properly, diverting it for personal use.
The offences reportedly spanned from February 2021 to November 2024. In February 2021, Dube allegedly misappropriated 472.49 litres of diesel, worth US$689.84. In March, he allegedly diverted 491.07 litres valued at US$716.96, followed by 771.9 litres worth US$1,126.97 in April, and 614.11 litres valued at US$896.60 in May.
The pattern continued over the years, with the accused allegedly misappropriating 887.3 litres in mid-2021 worth US$1,295.40 and 5,460.76 litres between September 2021 and May 2022 valued at US$7,972.71. In June and July 2022, Dube allegedly took 413.77 litres worth US$604.10, followed by 1,524.5 litres between August and November 2022 valued at US$2,225.77.
Between January and April 2023, he allegedly diverted 3,790.05 litres worth US$5,533.47, while between May 2023 and March 2024, he reportedly took 9,787.43 litres valued at US$14,289.65. Further alleged diversions included 4,924.03 litres from April to June 2024 worth US$7,189.08, 1,499.62 litres in July 2024 valued at US$2,189.45, and 6,923.84 litres from August to November 2024, amounting to US$10,108.81.
The court will hear the case when it resumes later this week. The charges, if proven, highlight ongoing concerns regarding the management of municipal resources and the integrity of public officials.
Source - The Chronicle
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
