Mbudzi interchange scandal: Roads director arrested

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has arrested Transport and Infrastructure ministry deputy director Road Services Division Enerst Shenje on charges of fraud as the Mbudzi interchange corruption saga unfolds.

Shenje allegedly pocketed nearly US$1m after he fraudulently claimed money as compensation for a property that was affected by the construction of the roundabout.

He is expected to appear in court today.

The arrest comes after a series of stories by our sister paper, Zimbabwe Independent, exposing underhand dealings in the construction of the multimillion dollar traffic interchange.

In a statement, Zacc confirmed the arrest of Shenje whose accomplice Levy Idana is reportedly on the run.

“The allegations arose from a fraudulent claim of US$1 003 417,00 as compensation for a property that was affected by the construction of a multi-level interchange at Mbudzi roundabout which is at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze, Chitungwiza and High Glen Roads,” the statement read.

“The accused, working in cahoots with one Levy Idana, who is still at large, and some lawyers, manufactured a fraudulent agreement of sale purporting that Levy Idana was the owner of Subdivision A of Subdivision B of Delft of Hopely which was in the name of John Maloney.

“They used the fraudulent agreement of sale to claim compensation, misrepresenting that Idana had purchased the property from John Maloney. The accused went on to facilitate the processing working together with other ministry officials.

“As a result of their fraudulent claim, Idana was paid US$200 000.”

It is reported that several officials at the Transport ministry are currently being investigated by Zacc over corruption and fraud allegations involving the Mbudzi traffic circle project.