By Correspondent
The acquittal of Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango and four top officials in a US$9 million streetlights scandal has torched off a storm especially as regards Chisango’s stretching ability to win cases.
On Friday the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew charges against Chisango and his four colleagues.
They are Never Murerwa, Supply Chain Manager, Denford Zhungu Principal Accountant, Tawanda Mutenhabundo Engineering Technician and Artikins Mandaza Principal Contracts Administrator.
Only the charges against Jabulani Mukomazi, the principal buyer were not withdrawn.
He was indicted for trial commencing on March 10 2025 at the High Court.
The group was accused of facilitating the tender deal in favour of a company owned by Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, Juluka Endo.
ZACC Clash With NPA
Provincial Public Prosecutor Witness Mabhaudhi said he saw nothing wrong with all the other officials except for Mukomazi.
“The signed agreement between the City of Harare and Juluka was a nullity at law.
“The principal buyer, who had the duty to proceed by way of section 31 of PPDPA Act but chose to proceed by way of Section 34, attracted the criminal liability.
“Bright prospects of a conviction are there in respect of the principal buyer, that is how the State will proceed,” Mabhaudhi said.
However, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has also come out against the decision.
“ZACC respects the position taken by the NPA.
“It acknowledges that it is the mandate of the prosecuting authority to institute and manage criminal prosecutions in Zimbabwe.
“The Commission, however, maintains that the accused persons are criminally liable for the fraudulent awarding of the tender and should defend their actions in court.
This isn’t the first or second time that Chisango has escaped the tentacles of the law.
Over the years he has routinely beaten every other allegation thrown his way and been acquitted when dragged to court.
Kuwadzana Stands
In May 2022, the then suspended Chisango, was acquitted in another corruption case.
Chisango was being charged together with Addmore Nhekairo and Town Planner Samuel Nyabezi.
The trio were accused of issuing stands in Kuwadzana to a land developing company.
Mt Pleasant Land Deals
That same year Chisango was acquitted again in another case.
The Court acquitted him on criminal abuse of office charge where he was accused of participating in the sale of a Mt Pleasant land.
In 2023 Chisango, together with Housing Director Addmore Nhekairo and Works Director Isaac Chawatama, bounced back from another suspension since 2020.
The trio had been suspended in line with Ministry of Local Government directive that any official with a pending court case be barred from performing Council duties until acquitted.
Magistrate Taurai Manuwere ruled that the trio did not offend the law and acted within their duties as council officials.
Pokugara House
In 2023 Chisango was acquitted again after allegations that he favoured Pokugara Properties by writing a letter authorizing the demolition of a house built without an approval plan.
Chisango was found not guilty at the close of the State case by regional Magistrate Noel Mupeiwa.
Now with his latest escapade the ZACC has vowed to go after him despite the cancellation.
“Accordingly, ZACC is looking into the matter and will be preferring new charges against the five accused persons,” it said in a statement.
