Harare, Zimbabwe – In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Finance has been defrauded of seven Toyota Hilux GD6 2.8L double cab vehicles, valued at USD $425,866 by Tsapo Commercial.
The vehicles, which were contracted from Tsapo Commercial (Pvt) Ltd, have not been delivered, raising serious concerns about the integrity and accountability of the involved parties.
On December 16, 2022, the Ministry of Finance entered into a formal agreement with Tsapo Commercial (Pvt) Ltd. According to the terms of this contract, the company was to supply seven Toyota Hilux GD6 2.8L double cab motor vehicles.
Also read: Faramatsi Motors Swindles Government Out Of 24 Luxury Vehicles
The Ministry fulfilled its financial obligation by making a payment of USD $425,866 to Tsapo Commercial on December 30, 2022.
Despite the prompt payment, the delivery of the vehicles has not been fulfilled. As of the conclusion of an audit conducted in September 2023, the Ministry of Finance had not received any of the seven vehicles from Tsapo Commercial.
This significant delay, extending nearly nine months beyond the agreed timeline, has raised alarms within the Ministry and prompted further investigation.
The audit, which was intended to ensure compliance and accountability, uncovered the alarming discrepancy. It was revealed that Tsapo Commercial had not honoured its contractual obligations.
The failure to deliver the vehicles has not only resulted in a financial loss for the Ministry but also disrupted the operations that these vehicles were intended to support.
The Ministry of Finance is now facing the arduous task of recovering the funds or compelling Tsapo Commercial to deliver the promised vehicles. Legal action is being considered as a necessary step to hold the company accountable and to seek redress for the breach of contract.