She also allegedly authorised the procurement of goods
amounting to US$280 529 without following due process.
Manangazira (52), who is the principal director of
epidemiology and disease control, was remanded in custody to today for bail
ruling by Harare magistrate Bianca Makwande.
She was represented by Harrison Nkomo.
Former Health minister Obadiah Moyo was also arrested and
later fired on corruption charges last year and the matter is still before the
courts.
The State alleges that sometime in July last year,
Manangazira requested for funding to recruit and train voluntary community
workers to assist in raising awareness on COVID-19.
An allocation of US$796 675 was availed by the Africa
Centre for Disease Control through the African Field Epidemiology Network,a
non-governmental organisation to fund the line items and services meant to be
used at training workshops for 800 community health workers.
It is also alleged that between July 2020 and last month,
she identified 1 000 health community workers meant to be deployed throughout
the country on a COVID-19 awareness campaign, without involving provincial and
district medical directors and officers.
The State alleges that the health workers were paid US$600
each for a period of three months and preliminary investigations revealed that
28 of the recruits were related to Manangazira.
It is also alleged that between July 16, 2020 and last
month, Manangazira acted unlawfully and contrary to or inconsistent with her
duties as a public officer and authorised the procurement of goods and services
amounting to US$280 529 without following due processes after she showed favour
to selected suppliers.
Manangazira is also accused of sanctioning the payment of
facilitation fees amounting to US$8 835 to undeserving Health ministry staff.
She also faces another charge of authorising the issuance
of 3 290 litres of fuel coupons to privately-owned vehicles not registered with
the ministry.
Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State. Newsday
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