By Dumisani Ndlovu
Tinashe Joseph Mpofu, a Public Service Commission officer in Gweru, has been charged with corruption involving $800 from three unsuspecting job seekers. According to reports, Mpofu’s corruption scheme targeted vulnerable individuals seeking employment.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ZACC) intervention highlights its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability within the public service.
During the bail hearing, Mpofu’s lawyer, Advocate Esau Mandipa, argued, “While I concur with the state’s recommendation for bail, the proposed amount of US$200 is excessively high. It’s tantamount to a denial of bail. Considering the accused’s modest income as a general hand at Public Works, earning approximately US$200, I respectfully request that the bail be set at US$100.”
Prosecutor Helen Khosa did not dispute the bail application but recommended a higher amount. In response, Gweru Magistrate Beaulity Dube stated, “Considering the accused’s income and the nature of the offense, I order the accused to pay US$50 as bail and reside at his registered address, GP1241/29, Old Prison, Gweru. He must not interfere with state witnesses.”
The arrest marks a significant milestone for ZACC, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2019 with a promise to take tough action against graft. Mpofu was remanded to November 8, 2023, for routine remand pending further investigations.
However, it emerged during the hearing that ZACC had not done sufficient work to substantiate its case against Mpofu. The court noted that the information provided by ZACC was sketchy, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
The case underscores pervasive corruption issues plaguing Zimbabwe’s public sector, where fraud and bribery account for nearly 76% of corruption convictions in federal courts. Since its establishment, ZACC has demonstrated resolve to tackle corruption head-on. This arrest sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated, especially within the public service.
As President Mnangagwa emphasized, tough action against graft is essential for Zimbabwe’s progress. Mpofu faces three counts of fraud.
The first count involves Barbra Bere of Mkoba 12 Infill, Gweru. According to the state, “In March 2024, the complainant was referred to the accused by a friend, who claimed Mpofu helps secure public sector employment.” Mpofu allegedly demanded a US$300 facilitation fee to secure employment as a teacher with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Mpofu told Bere, “You will secure the job before the second term begins.” When Bere demanded her money back in September 2024, Mpofu became evasive.
Thenjiwe Masaila of Mkoba 11 paid US$300 to Mpofu, who promised to secure her employment as a teacher. However, Masaila did not secure employment.
George Nyanda from Mkoba 13 paid US$200 of a US$400 facilitation fee to Mpofu for his wife’s employment. Nyanda recovered his money on October 1, 2024.
Investigations revealed Mpofu, as a general hand, lacked the capacity and authority to facilitate employment for job seekers.
