A Harare magistrate has upheld the remand placement of businessman Mike Chimombe, who is accused of involvement in a fraudulent scheme related to a US$9.2 million street lights tender. The ruling came after Chimombe challenged his remand status, arguing that he had no connection to the case.
The magistrate’s decision highlights reasonable suspicion surrounding Chimombe’s involvement, citing his signature on the allegedly forged documents as a key piece of evidence. The case involves accusations that Chimombe used false documentation to secure a tender awarded by Harare City Council to Juluka Projects and Plant Hire Private Limited and a purported South African company, ENNDO Lighting and Structural.
Chimombe contends that he is not associated with these companies, which were awarded the tender under misleading pretenses. He is charged alongside Moses Mpofu, the managing director and major shareholder of Juluka Projects and Plant Hire Private Limited. Both are accused of corruptly using false documents to win the tender. The duo has been remanded to appear in court again on August 22.
In a related development, Harare City Council’s Town Clerk, Hosiah Chisango, and Artkins Mandaza, the Principal Contracts Administrator in the Procurement Management Unit, are also facing charges. They are accused of criminal abuse of duty in connection with the same botched tender deal. Their bail ruling, originally scheduled for Monday, has been postponed due to the presiding magistrate’s other commitments. The matter will now be addressed on Wednesday.
Chisango and Mandaza are alleged to have colluded with four other council officials to unlawfully award the street lights tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by Mpofu. Mpofu is currently in custody facing fraud charges and accusations of document falsification related to the tender. The case continues to unfold, with significant implications for those involved in the tendering and procurement processes within the Harare City Council.
In other news – Zambians mourn their beloved gospel singer Matthew Ngosa
Zambia’s music scene gathered in Lusaka to pay tribute to beloved gospel singer Matthew Ngosa, who passed away at the age of 46. The poignant concert, held at the Praise Christian Centre a day before Ngosa’s burial, saw an outpouring of support from fans, family, and government officials.
Ngosa’s funeral service drew a packed audience, who joined in singing his cherished hits. The emotional event highlighted the widespread admiration for Ngosa’s music, which resonated across Zambia’s churches and nightclubs alike. Read More
