Harare, Zimbabwe – An audit has revealed that Byword Trading Pvt Ltd did not deliver vehicles valued at US$374,430 to the Attorney-General’s Office, despite receiving full payment. The vehicles, consisting of three Toyota Corollas and four Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD6 double cabs, were intended for Programme 2 under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
The Ministry had entered into an agreement with Byword Trading Pvt and Paza Buster Pvt on June 28, 2023, to procure a total of 18 motor vehicles. Seven of these were to be supplied by Byword Trading for US$374,430, and the remaining eleven by Paza Buster for US$533,500.
The delivery period for all vehicles was stipulated to be within 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the agreement.
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However, an audit conducted this year has revealed a significant breach of contract by both suppliers. None of the vehicles from Byword Trading—three Toyota Corollas and four Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD6 double cabs—had been delivered by the time of the audit.
Similarly, four Isuzu D-Max double cab vehicles valued at US$194,000 from Paza Buster were also undelivered, raising the total undelivered amount to US$568,430.
The Ministry had indicated that the Treasury made the payments directly to the suppliers on its behalf, making the failure of delivery even more concerning.
The absence of the vehicles has undoubtedly hampered the operational capabilities of the Attorney-General’s Office, which relies on these assets for its day-to-day functions.
This incident not only highlights issues of trust and accountability within procurement processes but also underscores the need for stringent oversight and enforcement of contractual obligations.
The Ministry and Treasury now face the challenge of recovering the undelivered assets or securing refunds, alongside potential legal actions against the defaulting suppliers.
Source: ZiMetro
