Zimpapers Logo

Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
MIDLANDS State University (MSU) is suing its former bursar for allegedly conspiring with her husband to dupe the institution of over $74 000 in underhand dealings.

Summons filed by MSU at the Bulawayo High Court against the former bursar, Mamelo Moyo and her husband, Melusi Moyo who is the former director for works at the institution say they colluded with Netabelt Investments Pvt Limited to supply MSU with stationery and chickens at uncompetitive prices, among other accusations.

The institution said the couple and Netabelt Investments must jointly or separately pay the sum of $50 232,40 being the financial prejudice it suffered due to their alleged corrupt practices from September 2014 to September 2015 together with interest at the rate of five percent per annum to date of payment in full.

The university is also demanding $23 768 which it says it lost between June and August 2016 when Mamelo allegedly recklessly allowed Black Brain Investments to supply stationery at uncompetitive prices.

MSU said in total the defendants must pay it a total of $74 135.

In its declaration, MSU said  in 2014 and 2015, Mamelo and Melusi connived with Netabelt Investments to engage in a deal which saw the company supplying the university with stationery at uncompetitive prices which allegedly prejudiced the institution.

“In furtherance of the corrupt arrangement, first defendant (Mamelo) between September 11 2014 and September 22 2015, she manipulated the plaintiff’s tender and competitive bidding processes such that the plaintiff ended up purchasing goods from the third defendant (Netabelt) at uncompetitive prices,” MSU submitted.

“The price invoiced by the third defendant (Mamelo) per bird was $0.35 higher than the lowest bidding quotations by Drummond Chickens and Zimbest Food causing Plaintiff to suffer financial prejudice which First Defendant is liable for.”

“Had such goods been sourced from First Pack, a reputable supplier of stationery, plaintiff would have made a saving of $50 232.”

Responding to the summons through her lawyers Ndove, Museta and Partners of Bulawayo, Mamelo requested for further explanations.

The ex-bursar added that, “What interest is 1st defendant (Mamelo) alleged to have in 3rd defendant (Netabelt). Is the alleged ‘arrangement’ in writing or not. If in writing, a copy of the arrangement is requested. How is it alleged 1st defendant benefited from the alleged arrangement?” asked the lawyers.

The lawsuit follows a criminal case in which the couple was last year convicted and fined by a Gweru regional magistrate Mr Morgan Nemadire on charges of failing to declare to their employer that they had an interest in a company that supplied stationery and food to the institution.

@pchitumba1