Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly stealing 115 drums of tar that was meant for the dualisation of the Harare-Masvingo Highway. The tar was worth $94 000.
The accused, Artwell Mahakwa reportedly teamed up with his accomplice, who is still at large, and stole 115 drums which they hid in Bulawayo.
The arrest was confirmed by national Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. He said that the accused, Artwell Mahakwa, was arrested in Bulawayo following a tip-off. Nyathi said:
Acting on a tip-off which was received recently, police in Chivhu proceeded to Bulawayo, where they arrested the accused and recovered tar valued at $24 521,71. Total value of tar that was stolen is $94 000.
Joel Biggie Matiza, minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development revealed in April that at least 215 drums of bitumen meant for the dualisation of a 10-kilometre stretch along Harare-Beitbridge highway were stolen at a road construction site in Chivhu.
The news sparked controversy as the nation could not believe how a whole government could allow that to happen unless someone who knew the system had stolen the tar.
Matiza back then said that he would institute an audit into the procurement and hiring of road equipment so as to ruthlessly deal with corruption. The minister also indicated that the ministry would adopt tracking systems for all hired equipment.
The country has lost lots of money and resources through underhand dealings.
More: News Day
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