Martin Muleya
The case in which former Chief Executive Officer of Buhera Rural District Council Emily Chibvongodze and head of the Procurement Management Unit Torai Mudyiwa, are being dragged to court on criminal abuse of office made a false start today at Murambinda magistrate court after the State indicated that they were not ready to commence the trial.
The duo who were arrested last week Thursday afternoon were represented by Nhambura of Mugadza and Chinzamba law firm and are currently on bail
It was the State’s case led by Connie Nyamaropa that Chibvongodze unlawfully awarded a tender to a company that did not satisfy the prescribed requirements, resulting in financial prejudice to council.
“In June 2022, Buhera RDC initiated a tender to procure a motorized grader, drill rig, a SUV and double cab vehicle. Seven bidders responded including Leapium Holdings Equipment, which later secured the grader contract despite failing to meet financial requirements.
“Investigations revealed that the council’s Evaluation Committee flagged Leapium Holdings because of inadequate documents they had submitted and requested for submission before any award could be considered. The company had allegedly not submitted mandatory documents including VAT clearance, NSSA registration and dealership authority,” prosecuted Nyamaropa.
The court heard that on August 05 2022, Chibvongodze and Mudyiwa ignored the Evaluation Committee’s recommendations and granted Leapium Holdings the award on grounds that they were the lowest bidder.
It is alleged that Chibvongodze went on to sign a contract with Leapium Holdings for the grader and Buhera RDC paid US$131 687.00 but the grader was never delivered.
Leapium later refunded US$9 342.00 leaving council with a net loss of US$122 345.00
Chibvongodze and Mudyiwa will be back in the dock on the 19th of February 2025.
