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Zacc arrests BCC official over diesel scam
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A senior official in the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Fire and Ambulance Services Department has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on 107 counts of fraud, involving the alleged theft of nearly 7 000 litres of diesel worth over US$10 000.
Peter Dube (57), a senior supervisor in the department, is accused of manipulating fuel allocations between 2022 and 2024, and appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanja last Friday. He was granted bail of US$300 and is expected to return to court on May 30.
Zacc spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu confirmed the arrest, stating Dube has been charged with fraud under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
According to Zacc investigations, Dube allegedly abused access to council fuel depots by refuelling twice on the same day. He would reportedly fill a council-issued Toyota Land Cruiser (registration AMB 005) at Khami Stores, drain the diesel, and then claim at Famona fuel depot that the vehicle had not yet been fuelled. Misled subordinates would then refill the vehicle.
"Between August 2022 and November 2024, Mr Dube repeated this process on 107 occasions, drawing between 50 and 100 litres per visit," said Ms Mlevu. "He exploited the vehicle's dual fuel tanks and claimed the odometer was faulty, preventing attendants from verifying distances travelled."
The scam, uncovered through audits, fuel records, vehicle logbooks, and interviews with fuel attendants, resulted in the theft of 6 978 litres of diesel, prejudicing the local authority by US$10 187.88.
As part of his bail conditions, Dube must report weekly to his nearest police station, refrain from contacting witnesses, and reside at his given address. He has since been suspended from his position pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
The case has reignited public concern over the misuse of public resources in urban councils, where service delivery has been severely strained by issues such as erratic refuse collection, burst sewer pipes, and water rationing.
Fuel allocations are vital for essential services, particularly in departments like Fire and Ambulance. The alleged theft by a senior figure has prompted renewed calls for stronger internal controls and oversight in local government operations.
Zacc has identified fuel theft, procurement abuse, and payroll fraud as persistent corruption issues in municipalities. In March, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works ordered councils to implement biometric attendance systems and tighten controls to eliminate ghost workers and administrative fraud.
The matter continues to draw attention as residents and watchdogs demand accountability and improved governance in city management.
Peter Dube (57), a senior supervisor in the department, is accused of manipulating fuel allocations between 2022 and 2024, and appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanja last Friday. He was granted bail of US$300 and is expected to return to court on May 30.
Zacc spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu confirmed the arrest, stating Dube has been charged with fraud under Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
According to Zacc investigations, Dube allegedly abused access to council fuel depots by refuelling twice on the same day. He would reportedly fill a council-issued Toyota Land Cruiser (registration AMB 005) at Khami Stores, drain the diesel, and then claim at Famona fuel depot that the vehicle had not yet been fuelled. Misled subordinates would then refill the vehicle.
"Between August 2022 and November 2024, Mr Dube repeated this process on 107 occasions, drawing between 50 and 100 litres per visit," said Ms Mlevu. "He exploited the vehicle's dual fuel tanks and claimed the odometer was faulty, preventing attendants from verifying distances travelled."
As part of his bail conditions, Dube must report weekly to his nearest police station, refrain from contacting witnesses, and reside at his given address. He has since been suspended from his position pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
The case has reignited public concern over the misuse of public resources in urban councils, where service delivery has been severely strained by issues such as erratic refuse collection, burst sewer pipes, and water rationing.
Fuel allocations are vital for essential services, particularly in departments like Fire and Ambulance. The alleged theft by a senior figure has prompted renewed calls for stronger internal controls and oversight in local government operations.
Zacc has identified fuel theft, procurement abuse, and payroll fraud as persistent corruption issues in municipalities. In March, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works ordered councils to implement biometric attendance systems and tighten controls to eliminate ghost workers and administrative fraud.
The matter continues to draw attention as residents and watchdogs demand accountability and improved governance in city management.
Source - the chronicle
