THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened an investigation on “theft and fraud” allegations against senior officials at the Premier Services Medical Investments (PSMI).

On December 9 2022, the Zimbabwe Independent reported that PSMI human resources director Marshall Dube was accused of various allegations in a report compiled by the workers’ committee.

The firm’s chief executive officer, Farai Muchena, managing director Tafadzwa Gutu, Victor Chaipa, Cosmas Mukwesha and Shingai Mabuto were arrested in September this year on fraud allegations. The matter is before the courts.

Dube, as the report containing the allegations gleaned by the Independent shows, is accused of failing to maintain records for fuel usage.

The report, compiled by the PSMI workers’ committee, consisting of middle level management and National Employment Council (NEC) graded staff, was shared  with Dube on November 2, 2022. The workers then handed over the report to Zacc.

Zacc spokesperson, Thandiwe Mlobane told the Independent last week that fraud allegations levelled against PSMI top officials had drawn the interest of law enforcement agencies.

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“Following numerous reports alleging poor corporate governance issues at PSMI, the commission deployed officers from the compliance unit to conduct a compliance check,” she said.

“These checks unearthed various issues, chief among them theft and fraud involving some senior officers. Accordingly, the police and Zacc are currently conducting investigations into these allegations.”

Last week, Dube did not respond to questions posed by this publication.

PSMI acting managing director Margaret Maulana told the Independent that upon receiving the workers’ committee report, she instructed Dube to respond in writing.

It was not clear this week whether Dube had responded. Dube is accused of failing to account for fuel drawn by former salaries manager England Pelham.

“Pelham has drawn fuel and you have no record of how much he was given. It is alleged that you were motivating the benefits of certain individuals, which are not supported by policies and contracts,” the report alleges.

“You are interfering with the loss control department who reported the theft of (a) motor vehicle…Your failure to advise PSMI on how motor vehicle policy should be instituted to such an extent that all pool vehicles are being personalised and abused.”

PSMI has since reopened 155 medical facilities, which were closed in September at the height of operational challenges.