Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Ngoni Masuka is among a host of senior civil servants set to be arrested for prejudicing the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) of hundreds of United States dollars.
At the same time, Nssa senior management has been holding marathon closed-door meetings to cover their tracks.
Zim Morning Post understands the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) will this week move in on Masuka and other higher ranking officials who were living Hollywood lifestyles off the backs of struggling pensioners.
This follows a forensic audit report by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants as contracted by the Auditor General’s Office for the period January 1 2015 to February 28 2018.
The audit shows that while pensioners were earning as little as $80 a month, their funds were being splashed on hefty salary perks for executive management and board member fees in costs which run into millions.
As for Masuka, he is set to answer to charges of irregularly adjusting top executive salaries without approval of Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in accordance with the Nssa Act.
“The parastatal coughed out about US$300 000 in board fees between 2015 and 2017,” the report noted.
“As a result of the Permanent Secretary’s actions, with effect from the 4th quarter of 2017, board members were paid incorrect and unapproved board fees,” reads the report in part.
“We have treated all payments made as a result of Mr Masoka’s approval and the irregular implementation as an overstatement.
“The total overstatement due to the 50 percent increment and the irregular implementation amounted to $86 322 as at the end of third quarter of 2018.”
Zim Morning Post has been told by impeccable sources that former general manager Elizabeth Chitiga, Daisy Madume –a personal assistant to the general manager – and James Chiuta will also be called in for questioning over irregular activities that prejudiced Nssa off thousands of dollars.
Public service minister Sekai Nzenza has said the audit has paved way for a new chapter that will see the fund conform to sound corporate governance and transparency.