By 
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has apprehended two directors of Synlak (Private) Limited, Vusumuzi James Mpofu and Nobukhosi Mpofu in connection with the alleged fraudulent misappropriation of over US$415,000 (€350,000) intended for the City of Harare’s failed Mbare biogas project.
The arrests, which occurred on yesterday, follow investigations into a 2015 grant awarded to the City of Harare by the European Union for the design and construction of biogas digesters and a 100KVA generator.
Synlak (Private) Limited, a company co-owned by Moses Mpofu and currently in remand for an unrelated charge, was subsequently awarded the contract.
ZACC investigations have revealed that Synlak (Private) Limited allegedly secured the lucrative contract through fraudulent misrepresentation.
The company falsely claimed to be authorized resellers of Camda New Energy Technology Co. Ltd, a crucial prerequisite stipulated in the tender conditions.
Furthermore, Vusumuzi and Nobukhosi Mpofu are accused of colluding with former City of Harare officials, including ex-Director of Works Phillip Pfukwa and former Chamber Secretary Josephine Ncube, both of whom are already in remand on related charges.
This alleged collusion facilitated the manipulation of payment processes, enabling Synlak to receive substantial funds from the City of Harare before the biogas project was completed.
The misappropriated funds were reportedly deposited into Synlak’s accounts held at CABS and BancABC.
As signatories to these accounts, Vusumuzi and Nobukhosi Mpofu are alleged to have made cash withdrawals from these funds.
The matter was then brought to the attention of ZACC by the City of Harare, represented by Acting Town Clerk Mabhena Moyo.
Following their arrest, Vusumuzi and Nobukhosi Mpofu are scheduled to appear before the Rotten Row Magistrate Court in Harare tomorrow, Friday, May 9, 2025, to face charges related to fraud and corruption.
Comments