No Freedom For Covid-19 Top Boss Dr. Portia Manangazira
The Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr. Portia Manangazira who is facing allegations of recruiting 28 family members and flouting tender rules has been denied bail.
Presiding magistrate Bianca Makwande said Dr. Manangazira is likely to interfere with state witnesses and temper with evidence since she is still employed with the Ministry of Health.
Magistrate Makwande also said the 28 people Dr Manangazire had recruited including her father, are her close relatives so she is likely to interfere with them.
Dr. Manangazire is also accused of abusing her office by authorizing the procurement of goods amounting to US$280 529 without following due process.
Dr. Manangazira is charged with four counts of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.
The Herald reports that Dr. Manangazira stands accused of criminally abusing aid funds by hiring 28 relatives as community health workers, paying facilitation fees to undeserving ministry staff, and flouting government tender rules.
The State alleges that between July 16 last year and January 21 this year Dr Manangazira bought US$295 529 of goods and services without following tender procedures.
She reportedly recommended payment between July 23 and November 1 last year of facilitation fees amounting to US$8 835 to undeserving employees in the ministry.
Dr. Manangazira is also being accused of identifying community health workers without involving relevant authorities. Between July last year and last month she is alleged to have facilitated the recruitment of about 1 000 health community workers, including 28 of her own relatives, who were all paid US$600 each over three months, without engaging either district or provincial medical officers.
The State alleges that Dr. Manangazira diverted 3 290 litres worth of diesel coupons to private vehicles.
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