News / National
Massive fuel theft rocks Zimbabwe Media Commission
4 hrs ago | Views
Millions of Zimbabwe dollars have vanished from the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), with an internal audit revealing the misappropriation of approximately 77,000 liters of fuel over a 20-month period, from January 2023 to August 2024, Nehanda Radio has exclusively revealed.
The damning report has sparked internal divisions within the commission, with allegations of bribery and cover-ups surfacing amid the fallout.
The audit uncovered significant weaknesses in the ZMC's fuel management system, leading to substantial financial losses. Key concerns included fuel coupon misappropriation, poor oversight, and a lack of proper record-keeping.
A driver, Roma Tawanda Hlomani, was identified as the individual responsible for collecting fuel coupons, but auditors noted consistent discrepancies between the fuel collected and the actual amounts delivered for commission use. Further investigations also exposed the falsification of financial records within the ZMC's accounting system, worsening the losses.
The report further highlighted a systemic breakdown in internal controls, violations of procurement procedures, and a failure to comply with regulations governing financial accountability.
ZMC Executive Secretary Godwin Phiri confirmed that the matter has been reported to law enforcement agencies and that internal investigations are ongoing.
"The matter was duly reported to the police, who are currently conducting investigations. The police reference number is CID PACU DR 13.06.2024. The Board is rightly seized with the matter, and all necessary legal and administrative processes are being followed," Phiri told Nehanda Radio.
Following the audit's release, deep rifts have emerged within the ZMC. Sources indicate that commissioners are divided over how to respond, with some, including chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, pushing for the removal of CEO Phiri and key finance personnel. Others are reportedly backing the CEO, leading to allegations of bribery and internal protectionism.
In what appears to be a damage-control move, the commission reportedly terminated the employment of Hlomani, the driver linked to the fuel coupon mismanagement. However, sources allege he was given a substantial severance package and forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Meanwhile, there are also reports that CEO Phiri is attempting to dismiss the Finance and Legal managers, accusing them of leaking information to auditors and exposing the financial irregularities.
The audit report recommended a board of investigation to implement disciplinary and corrective measures. It called for stricter internal controls and full adherence to procurement laws to prevent future losses.
The report also stressed the importance of compliance with the Procurement Act [Chapter 22:14], the Procurement Regulations of 2002, the Government
"A board of investigation would be ideal for discipline and redress, both current and future," the report stated.
It also proposed tightening procurement procedures, ensuring that only the Procurement Management Unit (PMU) handles procurement duties, and involving security personnel in goods receiving to maintain an independent record separate from management.
As of now, the ZMC has yet to release an official statement addressing the audit's findings and the ongoing internal disputes. However, with the matter now under police investigation and a fractured leadership at the commission, further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
The damning report has sparked internal divisions within the commission, with allegations of bribery and cover-ups surfacing amid the fallout.
The audit uncovered significant weaknesses in the ZMC's fuel management system, leading to substantial financial losses. Key concerns included fuel coupon misappropriation, poor oversight, and a lack of proper record-keeping.
A driver, Roma Tawanda Hlomani, was identified as the individual responsible for collecting fuel coupons, but auditors noted consistent discrepancies between the fuel collected and the actual amounts delivered for commission use. Further investigations also exposed the falsification of financial records within the ZMC's accounting system, worsening the losses.
The report further highlighted a systemic breakdown in internal controls, violations of procurement procedures, and a failure to comply with regulations governing financial accountability.
ZMC Executive Secretary Godwin Phiri confirmed that the matter has been reported to law enforcement agencies and that internal investigations are ongoing.
"The matter was duly reported to the police, who are currently conducting investigations. The police reference number is CID PACU DR 13.06.2024. The Board is rightly seized with the matter, and all necessary legal and administrative processes are being followed," Phiri told Nehanda Radio.
Following the audit's release, deep rifts have emerged within the ZMC. Sources indicate that commissioners are divided over how to respond, with some, including chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe, pushing for the removal of CEO Phiri and key finance personnel. Others are reportedly backing the CEO, leading to allegations of bribery and internal protectionism.
In what appears to be a damage-control move, the commission reportedly terminated the employment of Hlomani, the driver linked to the fuel coupon mismanagement. However, sources allege he was given a substantial severance package and forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
Meanwhile, there are also reports that CEO Phiri is attempting to dismiss the Finance and Legal managers, accusing them of leaking information to auditors and exposing the financial irregularities.
The audit report recommended a board of investigation to implement disciplinary and corrective measures. It called for stricter internal controls and full adherence to procurement laws to prevent future losses.
The report also stressed the importance of compliance with the Procurement Act [Chapter 22:14], the Procurement Regulations of 2002, the Government
"A board of investigation would be ideal for discipline and redress, both current and future," the report stated.
It also proposed tightening procurement procedures, ensuring that only the Procurement Management Unit (PMU) handles procurement duties, and involving security personnel in goods receiving to maintain an independent record separate from management.
As of now, the ZMC has yet to release an official statement addressing the audit's findings and the ongoing internal disputes. However, with the matter now under police investigation and a fractured leadership at the commission, further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
Source - Nehanda Radio
