Eight council workers suspended for allegedly defrauding the council of thousands of dollars have appeared before a disciplinary committee. One of the culprits, revenue officer Tigere, has since been dismissed.
“Council is through with Tigere and the remainder will appear again before the disciplinary committee. Their hearings were deferred to a future date as their ‘legal’ representatives asked for more time to prepare their defence. They are represented by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and The Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions respectively. Those found guilty will be automatically dismissed from work and will only benefit from part of their terminal benefits,” said council chairperson of staffing and services, Dominic Matangira.
Matangira said the suspects would be given a fair hearing by the council disciplinary committee and regarded as innocent until proven guilty.
Six of the eight suspects: Sherperd Shungira (Water Superintendent), Tigere (Revenue Officer), Ndudzo (Works administrator), Mabhodha (Welfare Clerk), Gashiteni (Revenue Officer) and Sweden (Revenue Officer) allegedly defrauded the council of US$8 000 from water revenue.
They wrote fraudulent cash receipts for water sold to Proton Bakeries.
Two other suspects: David Jack (Hostels Caretaker) and Dangarembwa (Messenger Housing) were suspended from work and will appear before the disciplinary hearing soon.
The fraud has since been dubbed, ‘Watergate Scandal’ as it was the first scandal of such proportions to rock the cash strapped Marondera Municipality.
Post published in: News