Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango and principal contracts administrator Artwell Mandaza found themselves behind bars over the weekend after a Harare magistrate deferred their bail ruling to tomorrow.
The duo is accused of criminal abuse of office in connection with a US$9 million street lights tender scandal. The State, vehemently opposing bail, contends that the two pose a flight risk and could potentially interfere with ongoing investigations.
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Central to the State’s argument is the assertion that Chisango’s position as the City of Harare’s accounting officer puts him in close proximity to key witnesses. Furthermore, allegations of document tampering by Mandaza have deepened the State’s resolve to keep the pair in custody.
The investigating officer, Owen Mutembwa, testified that Mandaza had removed crucial files related to the tender process, raising concerns about potential evidence tampering. This, coupled with the claim that Chisango attempted to conceal tender documents, has strengthened the State’s case against granting bail.
As the case unfolds, public attention remains focused on the revelations emerging from the investigation. The outcome of the bail application will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of this high-profile case.
The US$9 Million Street Lights Scandal
The arrest of Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango and principal contracts administrator Artwell Mandaza has brought the US$9 million street lights tender scandal into sharp focus.
The allegations of criminal abuse of office, coupled with the State’s claims of potential witness interference and document tampering, have ignited public outrage and raised serious questions about the city’s procurement processes.
The tender process itself is now under intense scrutiny. Questions are being asked about the selection criteria, the companies involved, and the value for money obtained from the project.
The missing tender documents, as alleged by the State, could hold crucial information about the decision-making process and the allocation of funds.
