Anorld Chifamba a software developer has been accused of defrauding the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) of over $21 million by manipulating payments within the institute’s online system.
Anorld Chifamba, aged 26, appeared in court yesterday and was remanded in custody until today for bail consideration. The court was informed that HIT utilized an online application platform managed by Chifamba to invite applications from prospective students.
Taking advantage of his position, Chifamba allegedly accessed the system and altered the HIT PayNow account, redirecting all online application fees to his own PayNow account.
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Subsequently, Chifamba reportedly instructed PayNow to transfer the diverted funds into his personal bank account.
It was revealed that during the previous academic year, Chifamba had defrauded HIT of $3,302,564, with no funds recovered. This year, he is accused of defrauding the institute of an additional $21,217,069.
The case highlights the vulnerability of online systems to exploitation by insiders and underscores the importance of robust internal controls and oversight mechanisms.