ZINWA Duped $45k in Fraud Scheme
ZINWA Duped $45k in Fraud Scheme
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) lost US$45,250 and ZWL$94 million over six months due to a fraudulent scheme led by Mercy Tsitsi Ndiweni, the personal assistant to the chief executive.
Authorities charged Ndiweni, 42, who appeared before regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa without entering a plea. Engineer Waddilove Mandiziba, Director of Water Supply Services and Rural Development, represents ZINWA.
As the CEO’s personal assistant, Ndiweni handled administrative tasks, including payment requisitions for services provided to ZINWA staff. Between March 6 and 21, Ndiweni created fake purchase orders, claiming they were for executive accommodation.
She then fabricated proforma invoices under the names of Baxley BnB in Hillside, Bulawayo, and The Residence in Masvingo—legitimate accommodation providers.
Ndiweni processed these fake invoices and generated expenditure vouchers, which she sent for payment approval. She ensured the payments, supposedly intended for Baxley BnB and The Residence, landed in her personal bank accounts.
Auditors discovered her scheme on August 21 when they identified discrepancies in the expenditure schedule. They found that Ndiweni had facilitated a payment of US$6,750 to The Residence for accommodations allegedly provided to the CEO and an engineer, who were actually in Mutare.
Further investigation revealed she had made 19 unauthorized transactions, totaling US$48,650 and ZWL$94 million. Authorities arrested Ndiweni after uncovering her fraudulent activities.
ZINWA Duped $45k in Fraud Scheme
-H.Metro
