Binga RDC Boss Joshua Muzamba Reportedly On The Run As US$256,405 Corruption Scandal Deepens

Binga Rural District Council (BRDC) chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba is reportedly on the run amid investigations into an alleged US$256,405 corruption scandal involving a Government-funded fishing rig project.

Muzamba has reportedly been absent from work for several days as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigates allegations of misappropriation of funds meant for the construction of 21 fishing rigs.

Binga North legislator Chineka Muchimba has also reportedly been summoned to appear before ZACC on Friday, while BRDC Social Services executive officer Lovemore Siamuyi was arrested on November 10 and is being held at Binga Police Station.

Siamuyi is expected to appear before the Binga Magistrates Court on November 12 for initial remand.

The allegations relate to a fishing rig programme introduced in 2021 through the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC). Each rig was initially valued at about US$12,000 but was allegedly inflated to US$26,000.

Three companies, Lweendo Ndulamfu Fisheries (Pvt) Ltd, Twiite Cooperative Society and Zangalili Better Investments, claim they lost a combined US$256,405 after money intended for them was allegedly diverted.

According to sources, BRDC had been directed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to identify companies that would manufacture the fishing rigs.

However, Muzamba allegedly engaged Muchimba to find suppliers instead of following the normal procurement process.

The project was reportedly not advertised for competitive bidding, and no exemption was obtained from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).

Muchimba is alleged to have approached the three companies, telling them that he had been appointed by central Government to coordinate the project and facilitate the awarding of contracts.

In September 2021, representatives of the companies travelled to Harare, where each reportedly received US$15,250 as an initial payment for producing five fishing rigs.

Muchimba also received US$30,500 on behalf of two companies in which he was reportedly a co-director.

The contractors were instructed to carry out the work collectively at premises belonging to Muchimba.

The dispute reportedly emerged when Muchimba told the companies that payments would be processed through his personal Nostro account because they did not have similar accounts. The companies were allegedly persuaded to sign affidavits authorising the arrangement.

On October 18, 2021, the OPC reportedly released US$76,250 to Muchimba for distribution among the contractors. However, he is accused of keeping the money for personal use.

Siamuyi is also accused of misleading the OPC by writing to the office claiming that the companies had received their payments.

The contractors were later informed that they had been removed from the project over alleged documentation irregularities.

On November 3, 2021, Muchimba and Muzamba allegedly approached the OPC seeking additional funds, claiming that the contractors had not been paid enough. A further US$56,750 was reportedly released to Muchimba, who is again accused of withholding the money.

The allegations further state that on March 3, 2023, OPC employee Paul Mutunzi deposited US$123,405 into Muchimba’s foreign currency account at AFC Commercial Bank for distribution to the companies.

When the complainants later approached the OPC, they were reportedly told that their contracts were still valid and that payments had continued to be made to Muchimba on their behalf.

The three entities subsequently reported the matter to ZACC in July 2026.

Contacted for comment, ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu said the commission could not provide further information while investigations were underway.

“We are not in a position to share any details at the moment because the matter is still under investigation,” said Ms Mlevu.