Safuli Zhoya, the Supply Chain Manager at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) Aspindale depot, appeared in court Monday, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty for allegedly facilitating the sale of fertiliser far below its market value.
Zhoya is accused of selling 599 bags of Compound D Superfert fertiliser, normally valued at US$32 per 50kg bag, for just US$1 per bag to Madamara Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He was granted bail of US$200 and ordered to report weekly to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
According to the State, Zhoya instructed depot staff to issue false receipts, claiming the fertiliser had been written off, and directed that the US$600 payment be deposited into GMB’s bank account. The buyer was then escorted to the GMB Mt Hampden depot to collect the fertiliser.
Upon arrival, the incoming Mt Hampden depot manager, Madeline Nyere, questioned the transaction and discovered that the fertiliser was in good condition and had not been written off. Consultation with the GMB operations officer confirmed no official disposal records existed, and the fertiliser remained earmarked for grain-for-fertiliser exchange programmes.
Zhoya is prohibited from visiting both Aspindale and Mt Hampden depots while on bail. The case is being prosecuted by Rufaro Chonzi, while the GMB is represented by provincial enterprise risk officer Sheunesu Mapondera.
The alleged irregular sale has raised concerns about internal controls within GMB and the management of public resources intended for farmer support programmes.
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