A couple has been arrested after they were charged with embezzling US$415 in a bogus Mbare Biogas Projects by ZACC.
Misrepresented Credentials Lead to Fraudulent Contract
Investigators revealed that the accused secured the lucrative contract through deceptive means. “The company falsely claimed authorization as distributors for Camda New Energy Technology,” stated ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu. This misrepresentation enabled their firm, Synlak (Pvt) Ltd, to qualify for the European Union-funded initiative despite lacking proper credentials.
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Inside Job: Municipal Officials Implicated
The scheme allegedly involved collusion with former Harare City Council officers, including ex-Director of Works Phillip Pfukwa and former Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube. Authorities believe these officials facilitated premature payments before project completion, allowing the suspects to withdraw substantial sums from corporate accounts at multiple financial institutions.
Failed Promise Leaves Community in Darkness
The ambitious project, funded by a €350,000 EU grant, promised to deliver a 100KVA biogas generator to power Mbare sustainably. Instead, residents saw neither the promised renewable energy solution nor the projected environmental benefits materialize. What began as an eco-friendly development initiative has become another case study in mismanaged public funds.
Expanding Investigation Nets Multiple Arrests
The corruption probe has already resulted in several detentions beyond the Mpofu couple. Another Synlak stakeholder, Moses Mpofu, remains in custody on separate charges, while the implicated municipal officials await trial. Acting Harare Town Clerk Mabhena Moyo’s intervention triggered the ongoing investigation, which may yield additional arrests as forensic accountants examine financial records.
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Upcoming Court Date and Accountability Pledge
The accused are scheduled for arraignment at Rotten Row Magistrates Court on May 9, 2025. ZACC officials emphasize their commitment to recovering misappropriated funds. “Public resources exist for community benefit, not private enrichment,” Mlevu affirmed, signaling zero tolerance for corruption in development projects.
