CHEGUTU COUNCIL BIG SHOTS GRANTED BAIL IN FRAUD CASE

By Vunganayi Bachi in Chegutu

The Chegutu Magistrates Court yesterday granted bail of US$100 to high-ranking officials of the Chegutu Council who are accused of fraudulently selling a commercial stand.

Deputy Mayor Edward Dzeka, Housing Director Shylet Dzivai, and Estates Officer Gazimbi have been remanded out of custody until November 13. In granting bail, the court found that the state had a weak case against the accused.

However, since the investigating officer is still working on approximately 28 cases, the three must not interfere with witnesses or access computer systems in their workplaces.

The allegations date back to April 2023 when Dzeka, Dzivai, and Gazimbi reportedly collaborated to sell an industrial stand. They were arrested after the detention of two other council employees, Lawrence Mukanyau and Tapiwa Fundeka, who faced charges of theft by conversion and forgery.

A detailed investigation revealed that Fundeka and Mukanyau were part of an organized criminal syndicate involving senior council managers. This prompted the arrest of Dzeka, Dzivai, and Gazimbi.

In 2023, it is alleged that Fundeka and Mukanyau forged signatures and sales agreements to fraudulently transfer six council stands to Ethel Dzeka, Fundeka’s wife.

Ethel, who is currently at large, is reportedly the daughter of Deputy Mayor Edward Dzeka.

Last week, Mukanyau was granted bail, while Fundeka was sent back to custody due to new allegations of tampering with computer systems and selling an industrial stand.

At the time of these offences, Fundeka was an IT intern at the Town House.