BINGA RDC CEO ABSENT AS ZACC PROBES US$256K FRAUD
By SBT Reporter, Harare
Binga Rural District Council (BRDC) chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba has reportedly been absent from work for several days as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigates an alleged US$256,405 fraud involving a Government-funded fishing rig project.
The investigation has resulted in the arrest of BRDC executive officer for Social Services Lovemore Siamuyi, who was taken into custody on 10 November and is expected to appear before the Binga Magistrates Court on 12 November.
Binga North legislator Chineka Muchimba has also reportedly been summoned to appear before ZACC on Friday as investigators widen their inquiry into the alleged diversion of funds intended to benefit fishing communities. The case centres on a Government programme launched in 2021 through the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) to construct 21 fishing rigs for communities in Binga.
Three companies Lweendo Ndulamfu Fisheries (Pvt) Ltd, Twiite Cooperative Society and Zangalili Better Investments, allege that they were prejudiced of a combined US$256,405 after money meant for the project was allegedly diverted. Investigators suspect that the cost of each fishing rig was inflated from an initial estimate of approximately US$12,000 to US$26,000.
According to information contained in the investigation, BRDC had been directed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to identify suitable contractors to manufacture the rigs. However, Muzamba allegedly involved Muchimba, who was also engaged in fishing rig production, in coordinating the sourcing of suppliers. The arrangement is alleged to have proceeded without a competitive tender process or an exemption from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).
Muchimba allegedly approached the three companies, informing them that he had been mandated by the Government to coordinate the project and facilitate the awarding of contracts.
In September 2021, representatives of the companies travelled to Harare, where each reportedly received an initial payment of US$15,250 for the construction of five rigs. Muchimba allegedly received a further US$30,500 on behalf of two companies in which he was reportedly a co-director. The contractors were instructed to undertake the work from premises linked to Muchimba. The arrangement later became contentious when he allegedly told them that project funds would be channelled through his personal Nostro account because the companies did not have similar banking facilities.
The companies were reportedly persuaded to sign affidavits authorising the arrangement.
On 18 October 2021, the OPC allegedly released US$76,250 to Muchimba for distribution to the contractors. Investigators allege that the money was not passed on to the intended recipients but was instead retained for personal use. Siamuyi is accused of subsequently writing to the OPC confirming that the contractors had received their payments, despite the allegations that the money had not reached them.
The companies were later informed that they had been removed from the project over alleged documentation irregularities. However, investigators allege that on 3 November 2021, Muchimba and Muzamba returned to the OPC seeking additional funding, claiming that the contractors had been underpaid. A further US$56,750 was reportedly released to Muchimba, who is accused of again withholding the money.
The alleged transactions continued into 2023. On 3 March that year, OPC employee Paul Mutunzi allegedly transferred US$123,405 into Muchimba's AFC Commercial Bank foreign currency account for onward payment to the contractors. The complainants later approached the OPC and were reportedly informed that their contracts had never been cancelled and that payments had continued to be made to Muchimba on their behalf.
The three companies subsequently lodged a formal complaint with ZACC in July 2026, triggering the current investigation. The arrest of Siamuyi and the reported summons issued to Muchimba mark a significant development in the probe, while Muzamba's reported absence from work has raised further questions about the involvement of senior council officials.
ZACC has not publicly disclosed details of the ongoing investigation. All allegations against the individuals named remain subject to investigation and, where charges are brought, determination by the courts.
Binga fishing rig fraud
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