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Elton Mangoma

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
FORMER Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma was a lone ranger and a dictator who wanted things done his own way, Zimbabwe Electricity Authority Holdings group chief executive officer Engineer Joshua Chifamba claimed yesterday.

He was testifying in a case in which Mangoma is accused of hand-picking OK Zimbabwe as third party pre-paid electricity vendor, flouting tender procedures in the process. Eng Chifamba said Mangoma would attend Zesa management meetings and not allow anyone to criticise him.

“On September 17, 2012, I was invited by Mangoma to his office to discuss the third party vending tender,” said Eng Chifamba. “The meeting was attended by Zesa management and I realised that we were called only to be directed to cancel the tender.

“I tried to explain to him the importance of the tender and its advantages to the company, but Mangoma argued that companies were likely to collude and disadvantage Zesa.” Mangoma convened another meeting on October 22.

“Later I was informed by Engineer Julian Chinembiri that Mangoma had given a specific order to appoint OK Zimbabwe for third party vending,” said Eng Chifamba.

Mangoma’s trial continues on October 12.

The former minister is facing criminal abuse of duty charges.

He is being represented by Ms Beatrice Mtetwa.

The complainant is the State Procurement Board (SPB) represented by its principal officer, Mr Cledwyn Nyanhete.

Prosecuting, Mr Michael Reza said on August 2012, ZETDC floated tender number ZETDC 13/2012 for the appointment of third party prepaid electricity vending.

The closing date was October 2 of the same year.

On September 17, 2012, Mangoma reportedly directed ZETDC accounting officer Julian Chinembiri to cancel the tender.

Mangoma allegedly ordered Chinembiri to hand-pick OK Zimbabwe without going to tender.