NSSA DIRECTOR DETAINED FOR FRAUD OF US$182K
David Makwara, director of Corporate Affairs for the National Social Services Authority, was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for fraud involving more than US$185,000.
According to a statement from ZACC, Makwara is scheduled to appear in court today.
It is alleged that in August 2021, Makwara hatched a scheme to defraud NSSA out of tens of thousands of United States dollars by misrepresenting to the Authority that Zivo Project Management (Pvt) Ltd intended to perform renovations at his home valued at US$18,261,77.
According to ZACC, Makwara allegedly contacted Nigel Mahachi, the project manager at Zivo Project Management (Pvt) Ltd, in order to obtain a quote for the proposed renovations at House Number 5 Ruwanga Road in Mandara, Harare.
It was stated that Mahachi submitted a bill of quantities (BOQ) for the proposed renovations along with an invoice totaling US$182,661.77 to the defendant.
According to ZACC, Makwara promptly forwarded the invoice to NSSA for payment after receiving it.
The statement reads, “NSSA transferred $182,661.77 to the bank account of Zivo Project Management (Pvt) Ltd in response to the submitted invoice.”
ZACC further alleged that after the funds were deposited into the Zivo Project Management (Pvt) Ltd account, Makwara corruptly instructed Mahachi to return the funds to him.
The law enforcement agent noted that this is contrary to NSSA policy and practise, which prohibits the direct payment of money for home improvement without prior approval.
According to ZACC, Zivo Project Management allegedly transferred a total of US$171 600, 00 to a local fuel dealer’s bank account and was subsequently given US$165 000 in cash.
According to ZACC, Makwara allegedly instructed Mahachi in June 2022 to add 15 items to the initial bill of quantities to cover his crime.
-Herald
