A top official at the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) appeared in court on Friday, facing allegations of fraud and theft involving millions of Zimbabwean dollars.
Godwin Phiri, the commission’s executive secretary, was brought before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa to answer to charges of stealing ZWL54.8 million and defrauding the organization of ZWL51.4 million.
Phiri, 49, was charged alongside chief accountant Tafadzwa Chikwiti, 47, administration manager Mercy Hondo, 47, and administration officer Revail Madire, 57.
The accused were granted bail of $400 each and ordered to report twice a week to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
They are expected back in court on April 28 for a routine remand hearing.
Fuel Scam Allegations
Prosecutors allege that between May 2023 and February 2024, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to siphon fuel from ZMC.
According to the state’s case, Petros Mudhokwani, a suspect still at large, raised requisitions for fuel purchases from PetroTrade.
Chikwiti then processed the requests, and Phiri, as executive secretary, approved the release of funds for fuel coupons.
Another suspect, Tawanda Homai, allegedly collected 104,976 liters of fuel using the coupons.
However, prosecutors say the commission only received 45,120 liters, with Hondo and Madire allegedly falsifying records to conceal the missing fuel.
Authorities claim the fraudulent scheme cost ZMC ZWL54.8 million, with no fuel recovered.
Additional Fraud Charges
Phiri and Chikwiti also face separate fraud charges over a scheme involving technical aluminum purchases.
Prosecutors allege that between December 21 and 29, 2023, they collaborated with Mudhokwani to embezzle ZWL51.4 million.
Court documents reveal that Mudhokwani raised procurement requests for aluminum, which Chikwiti processed for approval.
Phiri then authorized payments, which were transferred to various accounts. Investigators believe the suspects later converted the stolen funds into foreign currency.
An internal audit uncovered financial discrepancies, prompting ZMC to report the matter to authorities.
For this charge, Phiri and Chikwiti were granted $200 bail each and must adhere to strict reporting conditions until their next court appearance on March 17.
