By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Hurungwe — In a landmark ruling that signals growing momentum in Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption drive, three men have each been sentenced to 18 years in prison for misappropriating nearly US$18,000 earmarked for a crucial infrastructure project in Hurungwe.
Romeo Mupamaonde, the Engineer for the Hurungwe Rural District Council, his assistant Alfred Makama, and Batsirayi Nyamayaro, Director of Anstand Investments (Pvt) Ltd, were found guilty of conspiring to defraud the council in connection with the construction of the Chehoko Causeway bridge.
Anstand Investments was awarded the US$17,990 tender for the bridge in June 2022. Instead of executing the project, Nyamayaro colluded with Mupamaonde and Makama to subcontract the work to Kainos Mupiwa, who completed the construction with assistance from community members volunteering their labor.
Mupiwa was paid just US$1,450, while the remainder of the funds was siphoned off by the trio.
The court’s verdict underscores the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ZACC) resolve to root out corruption in public institutions.
The defendants were arrested in 2023, and their conviction reflects a significant victory for efforts to uphold accountability in public procurement.
Beyond the custodial sentences, each of the three was fined US$5,000. Anstand Investments faces the same penalty, with the High Court authorized to auction company assets if the fine remains unpaid.
Although Hurungwe Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Luke Kalavina was initially arrested alongside the trio, he was acquitted of these specific charges.
However, he remains in custody on unrelated allegations and is awaiting sentencing.
This case has sparked local and national debate, with residents expressing hope that the ruling will serve as a deterrent to corruption and promote greater transparency in the management of public funds.
Many praised the role of the local community, whose contribution of free labor ensured the project’s completion despite the mismanagement.
As Zimbabwe continues its battle against entrenched corruption, the Hurungwe case marks a pivotal moment — one that reinforces the importance of justice, accountability, and community resilience in the pursuit of national development.
About Author
