ZPCS Accountant Appears in Court Over Alleged US$132,000 Fraud Scheme

HARARE – A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) accountant has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing fraud charges involving more than US$132,000 allegedly siphoned from prison service project funds.

Parish Mushimbo (40) was brought before the court on Wednesday on two counts of fraud arising from an alleged scheme prosecutors say operated for nearly three years and resulted in substantial financial losses for the correctional service. According to court documents, Mushimbo was employed as an accountant in the ZPCS Projects Section at the time the alleged offences were committed.

The State alleges that between May 10, 2023, and April 2026, Mushimbo acted in concert with two alleged accomplices, Connelious Madzinga and Cannisious Kadyamusuma, who are currently being sought by authorities. Prosecutors claim the trio orchestrated a scheme in which funds were transferred from Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services project accounts into unauthorised bank accounts.

The money was allegedly withdrawn and shared among the suspects. According to the State's case, the alleged fraud involved a total of US$132,408. Court papers indicate that investigators have not recovered any of the funds allegedly misappropriated from the prison service.

The matter came to light following internal investigations into transactions involving project accounts administered by the correctional service. Authorities have not disclosed the specific projects affected by the alleged fraud or how the suspected irregular transactions were detected. The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that the transfers were conducted without authorisation and resulted in financial prejudice to ZPCS.

Mushimbo was granted bail of US$500 by the Harare Magistrates' Court pending further investigations. As part of his bail conditions, he is expected to return to court on June 30, 2026, when the matter is scheduled for routine remand. The court heard that investigations are ongoing, including efforts to locate the two co-accused who remain at large.

The case adds to a growing number of fraud and corruption investigations involving public institutions in Zimbabwe, where authorities have intensified efforts to strengthen financial controls and improve accountability in the management of public funds. Legal experts note that fraud cases involving public institutions often require extensive forensic investigations, including analysis of bank records, financial transactions, and internal accounting systems.

The allegations against Mushimbo have not yet been tested in court, and he remains innocent until proven guilty. Further proceedings are expected once investigators complete their inquiries and determine whether additional arrests will be made.

ZPCS fraud case