6 Government Officials Arrested As ZACC Uncovers Alleged Double Allowance Claims
Six Ministry of Local Government and Public Works officials, including a senior director, have appeared in court facing fraud charges over allegations that they claimed travel and subsistence allowances twice for the same assignments. The alleged scheme reportedly prejudiced the State of ZWG360,644 (approximately R221,544) and local authorities of US$19,419 (approximately R320,714).
The accused appeared before Harare Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye on Saturday, 7 November 2026, following their arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Friday.
Those facing charges include Chief Director of Local Authorities Khonzani Ncube, Pamela Chitengu, Annah Takaendesa, Sebele Likel, Maxwell Mabhuro and Ruvimbo Chahuruva.
How The Local Government Allowances Fraud Allegations Emerged
The allegations stem from a nationwide Local Authorities Systems Audit launched in April 2025. The exercise covered 92 local authorities.
Prosecutors allege that Ncube authorised a request for the Ministry to pay allowances to 54 officials, including herself. However, councils hosting the audit teams were also expected to cover travel and subsistence expenses.
The five other accused were part of the Mashonaland East audit team, which covered 10 councils.
Court papers allege that they claimed allowances, fuel and toll fees from the councils while also submitting claims to the Ministry for the same assignments.
The alleged discrepancy extended to the number of days claimed.
“The Mashonaland East team reportedly worked for 40 days in the province between 12 May and 19 June 2025, but submitted claims for 45 days — an extra five days.”
The accused are also alleged to have failed to disclose the payments received from the local authorities.
Khonzani Ncube Faces Additional Charge As Six Officials Get Bail
Ncube faces an additional charge of criminal abuse of duty.
All six officials were granted bail and released. Ncube was ordered to pay US$500 (approximately R8,258), while the other five each paid US$100 (approximately R1,652).
The case was remanded to 24 November 2026.
The allegations are yet to be tested in court, and the six accused remain presumed innocent unless convicted.
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