Officials Accused of Defrauding Zimbabwe Government in Mbudzi Interchange Project
Levy Idana (39), a businessman and director of Ledmart Investments (private) limited, and Enerst Shenje, the deputy director of roads services in the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry, are facing allegations of attempting to defraud the government.
Appearing before Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei, the duo stands accused of trying to divert funds designated for compensation related to the Mbudzi interchange for their personal gain.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti has urged for the consolidation of the dockets concerning the two defendants.
Mutsokoti also noted that the State is awaiting a statement from the Secretary of the Ministry of Transport regarding the matter.
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The case has been adjourned until April 9.
The State, represented by the Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, acts as the complainant in the case.
Arshiel Mugiya and Admire Rubaya are providing legal representation for Idana and Shenje, respectively.
In 2021, prosecutors assert that the Zimbabwean Government, through the Ministry of Transport, initiated a project to build a multi-level interchange at Mbudzi, where Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza, and High Glen roads intersect.
The project impacted 135 residential, industrial, and commercial properties surrounding the Mbudzi interchange. Subsequently, the government established a fund to compensate affected property owners following a valuation process.
In 2022, the ministry conducted valuations for properties slated to be affected by the Mbudzi interchange construction.
Allegations suggest that two individuals collaborated to defraud the government by submitting fraudulent claims. Consequently, the complainant suffered a loss of US$200,000, with a potential further loss estimated at US$803,417 due to the actions of the accused.
