Karoi Council has come under fire after an audit exposed a shocking misuse of public funds, following the organisation’s alleged purchase of 48 reams of bond paper for US$1,100.
A damning report by the Auditor-General has revealed suspected financial misconduct at Karoi Town Council in Mashonaland West province.
The findings, presented to Parliament this week by the Public Accounts Committee, highlight a concerning pattern of mismanagement and potential fraud involving taxpayer money.
Karoi Council Audit Exposes Shocking Misuse of Public Funds
Investigators uncovered a particularly suspicious transaction in which the council allegedly paid $1,100 for safety belts and an extension ladder but received 48 reams of bond paper instead.
“This discrepancy clearly suggests an attempt to conceal the misappropriation of funds,” stated the committee report.
They noted the massive price difference between the ordered equipment and the delivered stationery.
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Mashonaland West MP Mutsa Murombedzi condemned the irregularities
“This isn’t just poor bookkeeping – it’s outright theft. The report paints a picture of systemic corruption disguised as administrative errors.”
Other parliamentarians echoed these concerns, with Hurungwe East’s Chenjerai Kangausaru calling the findings “a wake-up call for local governance reform.”
Murehwa South legislator Noah Mangondo warned that Karoi’s case reflects wider problems plaguing Zimbabwe’s local authorities.
“These aren’t isolated incidents but part of a dangerous trend that demands immediate action,” he emphasized during parliamentary debates.
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Council Responds to Allegations
Karoi Town Council chairperson Kudakwashe Chigumo acknowledged the concerns, stating:
“We’re thoroughly investigating these matters. There will be no protection of wrongdoing – we’re committed to resolving all outstanding issues transparently.”
The municipality now faces pressure to implement the committee’s recommendations, including a potential investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
As the scandal unfolds, residents and watchdogs await concrete actions to restore trust in local governance and ensure proper use of public resources in the strategically important Hurungwe region.
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The post ’48 Reams Bond Paper for US$1,100?’ Karoi Council Audit Exposes Shocking Misuse of Public Funds appeared first on iHarare News.
