HARARE—The Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) and social justice advocates have welcomed the record 140-year combined prison term handed down to three senior Hurungwe Rural District Council (RDC) officials convicted of defrauding the local authority of more than US$65,000 meant for public infrastructure.
Hurungwe RDC chief executive officer Luke Kalavina was jailed for 36 years, while council engineer Romeo Mupamaonde and his assistant Alfred Makama each received 52 years.
The High Court ruled that they siphoned funds through fraudulent construction claims and misappropriated building materials.
Investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) revealed that the trio diverted materials meant for Chiedza Clinic and falsely authorised payments for uncompleted projects.
The money was not recovered.
Marloshac Investments director, Marvin Matiza, was also sentenced to 36 years as an accomplice in misrepresenting that his company had built the Kaspikiri Causeway Bridge when, in fact, it was constructed by local contractor, Kainos Mupiwa, who was never paid.
This ruling is among the toughest sentences ever issued in Zimbabwe for abuse of office.
By contrast, previous high-profile convictions such as former Energy Minister Samuel Undenge’s four-year term and the three-year sentences for Mutoko RDC officials Peter Sigauke and Innocent Mukwekwe were far lighter.
ACT-SA director, Obert Chinhamo, welcomed the judgment, saying it would send a strong warning to others.
“The sentences for the Hurungwe RDC officials serve as a strong deterrent against corruption.
It sends a clear warning to all those engaged in corrupt practices that, if caught, they will face the full consequences of their actions.
In our view, the punishment is well deserved, a welcome removal from society,” he said.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) director,Cornelia Selipiwe, also welcomed the judgment.
“Public goods should never be misused by any individual.
“This sentences will send the correct message.
“Too often, we have been mourning because of serious corruption allegations in local authorities,” he said.
The Combined Harare Residents Association director, Rueben Akili, added that the ruling was harsh but justified.
“While these types of judgments can be challenged at the Supreme Court, they set a precedent,” he said.