HARARE – The trial of three former City of Harare chiefs accused of corruption over the awarding of an US$80 million tender for the construction of the airport road commenced on Monday with all three entering ‘not guilty’ pleas.
Former town clerk Tendai Mahachi and two former chairpersons of government-appointed commissions that were running the local authority – Sekesai Makwavarara and Michael Mahachi – denied charges of criminal abuse of office before regional magistrate, Elijah Makomo.
Prosecutors say the trio awarded Augur Investments a contract for the construction and upgrading of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Expressway, then known as Airport Road, at a cost of US$80 million without following due process.
Zivanai Macharaga, prosecuting, called the investigating officer Zondai Makawa as his first witness to buttress the state allegations.
Makwavarara, in her defence outline, denied ever having engaged or in any way participated in the engagement of Augur Investments for the upgrading and construction of the airport road.
She further added that to the best of her knowledge, Harare City Council acts on resolutions of the full council meetings. Sae described the charges as a “blatant abuse of the criminal justice system” designed to bully her for events that took place well after the lapse of her term at City Hall.
Former town clerk Mahachi will tell his trial that he never personally or in connivance acted contrary to his duties. He maintains that City of Harare entered into a lawful memorandum with Augur Investments which he then signed on behalf of the council.
He denies that he failed to cause a competitive bidding process.
Michael will maintain that at all material times, he executed his duties in utmost good faith and with transparency and never entered into any agreement as alleged by the prosecution.
The trial continues.
