The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has detained Ernest Shenje, the deputy director of Road Services in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, on suspicion of filing a fraudulent claim totaling US$1 million for compensation for a property that was impacted by the Mbudzi Interchange construction in Harare.
ZACC stated in a short statement that the bogus claim for compensation was for US$1, 003 417, and it announced the arrest yesterday.
“The accused created a fraudulent agreement of sale claiming that Levy Idana was the owner of Subdivision A of Subdivision B of Delft of Hopely, which was in the name of John Maloney, while conspiring with some lawyers and one Levy Idana, who is still at large.”
ZACC has arrested Mr. Ernest Shenje, Deputy Director Road Services Division in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development on charges of fraud.
— Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (@ZACConline) January 26, 2024
ZACC said Shenje went on to facilitate the processing, working together with other Ministry officials. As a result of their fraudulent claim, Idana was allegedly paid US$200 000.
Shenje is scheduled to appear in court today at the Harare Magistrates Court.
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Since the Mbudzi Interchange takes up a lot more space than the roundabout it replaces, the government was forced to purchase the properties of those right next to the interchange as well as several of its access roads.
This included taking over the necessary property at the independent valuation and then employing the established compensation processes of independent valuations, which typically involve three distinct appraisals.
The owners of the property were forced to sell, but the legislation ensures that they will receive full recompense for their urban land.
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