Bridge Scam Lands Hurungwe Trio 18-Year Prison Terms
Three officials from the Hurungwe Rural District Council have each been sentenced to 18 years in prison for embezzling US$17,990 earmarked for the construction of the Chehoko Causeway Bridge.
The convicted—Council Engineer Romeo Mupamaonde, his assistant Alfred Makama and Batsirayi Nyamayaro, Director of Anstand Investments—hired contractor Kainos Mupiwa, who built the bridge using unpaid community labour and received only US$1,450.
The rest of the funds remain unaccounted for.
Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) spokesperson Simiso Mlevu praised the ruling, stating: “Justice has prevailed. The message is clear: corruption will cost you your freedom.”
ZACC led the investigation after reports of gross irregularities in the bridge project surfaced.
Each of the convicted men received an 18-year sentence, with three years suspended on condition of good behaviour.
They were also fined US$5,000 apiece.
The court further ordered Anstand Investments to pay an additional fine of US$5,000 or face a Sheriff’s auction of its assets if the penalty remains unpaid.
The case, initially reported by B-Metro, exposed serious flaws in public fund management within Hurungwe Rural District Council and raised fresh concerns over transparency in local infrastructure initiatives.
Separately, Hurungwe RDC Chief Executive Officer Luke Kalavina, who was jointly charged, was acquitted in this case.
However, he remains in custody awaiting verdicts in other corruption-related matters.
