The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched an investigation into a fuel scandal involving the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services Department.
The case revolves around the misappropriation of 20,000 litres of diesel over a period of three years.
A manager in the Ambulance Services department, whose name is known to authorities, is accused of exploiting a malfunctioning speedometer in his service vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser designated as the “Command Vehicle” (registration number AAA 6540). This allowed him to improperly fill the tank without recording any mileage in the vehicle’s logbook.
The manager allegedly fueled the vehicle every Monday at the City Council’s Khami Road stores, then transported the fuel to a fueling station in Famona. He repeated this process on Wednesdays and Fridays, filling the tank multiple times and siphoning off fuel.
According to an investigation by Check Point Desk, the fuel was sold to illicit dealers operating from an informal site under a tree in Nketa Six, a suburb located near Nketa Drive.
ZACC spokesperson Ms. Simiso Mlevu confirmed that the case is under investigation, though she noted that the inquiry is still in its early stages, awaiting results from an internal audit by the local authority.
Sources within the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) revealed that the Toyota Land Cruiser, which should be used for emergency responses, was being misused for personal purposes. Despite being driven a modest 40km daily, the vehicle was reportedly receiving excessive fuel: 60 litres on Mondays, 80 litres on Wednesdays, and 60 litres on Fridays. This was done without justifiable mileage, leading to suspicions that the manager was benefiting personally from the fuel.
The alleged fraud persisted for a considerable period, causing concern among staff who fear that the manager may have protection from higher-ranking officials within the council.
The Fire and Ambulance Services Department is overseen by the Chamber Secretary, Mrs. Sikhangele Zhou. Sources further revealed that, in contrast, a 24-hour operating ambulance would only use around 30 litres of fuel daily and 210 litres weekly, far less than the amount consumed by the Command Vehicle.
Both BCC Town Clerk Mr. Christopher Dube and Mrs. Zhou acknowledged the investigation, stating that the city’s internal audit team is looking into the matter.
In response to the revelations, City Mayor Councillor David Coltart pledged a thorough investigation into the matter and assured the public that the findings would be made available.
It was also recently reported that only seven out of the city’s 30 ambulances are currently operational, with the remaining vehicles out of service due to mechanical issues.
The local authority cited limited financial resources as the cause of the fleet’s poor maintenance.
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