Four City of Harare employees arraigned in court yesterday on charges of unlawfully awarding a US$9 244 328 street lights tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company in which Moses Mpofu holds a majority share.
According to media reports, Never Murerwa, 62, Jabulani Mukomazi, 44, Denford Zhungu, 69, and Tawanda Mutenhabundo, 29, appeared before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa and were remanded in custody pending the finalisation of their bail hearing.
Murerwa and Mukomazi, employed in the Procurement Management Unit as Manager Supply Chain and Principal Buyer, respectively, allegedly authorised and determined the procurement method used in the tender process.
Zhungu and Mutenhabundo, Principal Accountant and Engineering Technician, respectively, were members of the tender evaluation committee that adjudicated on the tender.
Meanwhile, the City of Harare embarked on a street lighting rehabilitation project in January 2024, ahead of the 44th Southern African Development Committee Summit in August 2024.
ALSO READ: Mike Chimombe & Moses Mpofu appear in court
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) granted specific exemptions on January 29, 2024, to expedite project completion. The four employees face charges related to the unlawful awarding of the tender, which allegedly contravened the country’s procurement regulations.
