Hosiah Chisango, the town clerk of Harare, and Artwell Mandaza, the chief contracts administrator, were incarcerated for the entire weekend. The decision about their bail has been delayed until tomorrow.
The State argues that the two could run away and tamper with witnesses, hence it is against giving bail.
They are accused of abusing their position in relation to a $9 million street light contract issue that Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa is looking into.
Owen Mutembwa, the investigating officer, was called as a witness by State attorney Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti.
Mutembwa clarified that Chisango may have compromised the probe because he knew several of the witnesses personally. Mutsokoti contended that the probe might be jeopardized by this association.
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Mutembwa further disclosed that during the investigation, Chisango attempted to conceal certain tender documents. He stated that Mandaza took a file out of the procurement management unit after being informed about the probe, and the file is nowhere to be seen. Mutembwa believes Mandaza is aware of the whereabouts of the lost file.
According to the State, Chisango and Mandaza are unfit to be released on bond since doing so will disturb the peace in the community.
Chisango is accused of granting the multi-million dollar tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without following due process. Said ZACC:
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested Harare City Council (HCC) Town Clerk, Engineer Hosiah Chisango on charges of criminal abuse of duty.
