Hazel Sithole, the suspended housing director of Chitungwiza municipality, appeared in court on charges of criminal abuse of office.
The alleged offense was that she allocated a commercial stand without following the council’s procedures.
According to the prosecution, Sithole failed to adhere to the council’s housing policy, which requires that commercial stands be allocated through a competitive bidding process.
Instead, she allegedly made a false representation on an offer letter, claiming that the council had resolved to allocate a service station to Chesane Jaidi, despite knowing that the allocation was not done in accordance with the laid-down procedures.
The prosecution alleged that Sithole’s actions were intentional and aimed at extending a favor to Jaidi.
The court heard that Sithole had received a memorandum from the acting director of works in August 2018, recommending that Stand Number 20727 Zengeza 4 be allocated in line with the housing policy.
However, she failed to follow the required procedures, including seeking competitive bidding with a minimum offer determined by the council.
Sithole was granted US$300 bail and remanded to July 18 for trial. The court will continue to hear evidence in the case.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
