Harare, Zimbabwe – The controversial dismissal of corruption charges against former Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango has ignited public outrage, with many questioning the integrity of the judiciary and the fairness of procurement oversight in the City of Harare. The case, which centered on procurement irregularities, was dropped under murky circumstances, raising concerns about accountability in public office.

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Under Zimbabwe’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA), the Accounting Officer—typically the Town Clerk—is the sole authority responsible for procurement in a public entity. Despite this, Chisango was cleared of wrongdoing while the principal buyer, a lower-ranking official, continues to face criminal charges. This contradiction has sparked debate about whether the judicial process was manipulated to protect top officials.

Key questions remain unanswered regarding the awarding of contracts, particularly the modification of eight procurement lots. If Chisango, as the Accounting Officer, had no involvement, then who authorized the changes? Additionally, two lots awarded to Juluka lacked official documentation, yet work proceeded and payments were made from central government funds. The absence of clear answers suggests a deeper web of mismanagement and possible corruption within Harare’s procurement system.

Further complicating the issue, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) had flagged irregularities in the process and specifically cited the Town Clerk’s responsibility under the PPDPA Act. Despite this, Chisango was exonerated, raising concerns about selective prosecution and a compromised justice system. Prosecutor Whisper Mabhaudhi, who has handled multiple high-profile cases, is now under scrutiny, as the same judge who granted bail in the Juluka case—Judge Kwenda—was involved in dismissing the charges against Chisango.

Critics argue that a fresh prosecutor and a new judge would offer a fairer review of the case, ensuring that legal principles are upheld. Some have also called on Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Chairperson Mr. Reza to intervene, warning that failure to act could damage public trust in law enforcement efforts. His extensive background as a prosecutor places him in a position to recognize judicial failures and take corrective measures.