INSIZA Rural District Council chairperson Daniel Mpofu has been accused of demanding bribes from a housing developer to facilitate the awarding of a tender to develop over 900 housing stands.
BY NQOBILE BHEBHE
N & S Properties managing director Nicholas Masuku told Southern Eye on Friday that Mpofu had approached his company seeking a partnership to develop 946 residential stands.
He said he made an informal presentation to council on his company’s potential and was promised he would be awarded the tender.
Months later, Mpofu allegedly approached Masuku to buy a cylinder head for a council vehicle which was grounded.
Mpofu allegedly made cash requests on various occasions totalling $1 065 claiming it was for the smooth processing of the housing tender.
According to documents seen by Southern Eye, Mpofu would on several occasions visit Masuku’s offices and demand cash ranging from $10 to $500.
Masuku said at one time Mpofu demanded money for his medical expenses.
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However, Mpofu allegedly later became evasive and threatened Masuku with unspecified action after the developer demanded an update about the tender.
Masuku then wrote to council chief executive officer, district administrator, Insiza police and approached Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs minister Abednico Ncube raising his concern.
He detailed the alleged payments made to Mpofu to facilitate the tender.
“Am writing this letter in connection with the project that has been promised to us as a company,” Masuku wrote.
“We want to know about the progress of the project because what we were asked to do by DK Mpofu who presented himself as the council chairman we have done it already.
“We were asked to buy a cylinder head for the council car which was grounded as the council chairman said he needed to use the very same vehicle to mobilise things pertaining to the project promised to us.
“He also came to our offices several times asking for some monies as he wanted to run around in processing the tender.
“It is our concern as a company we get to know our position on this project as it (is) taking long,”
Masuku said he suspects he was swindled by Mpofu.
Mpofu could not be reached for comment yesterday as he was not answering his mobile phone.
The district has of late been rocked by several land scandals with some of the land being sold for between $600 and $1 000 or in exchange for beasts.
