High-ranking Mozambique Official Faces Corruption Charges

High-ranking Mozambique Official Faces Corruption Charges

Corruption Charges against Frelimo Party Official

Goncalves Joao Jemusse, a senior official in Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo Party and the Tete provincial first secretary, finds himself in the grip of the law. He has been charged with corruption in the Chiuta district court. Jemusse is accused of participating in the theft of one million meticais, equivalent to around $15,700. This crime is alleged to have been committed during his tenure as the Chiuta District Administrator. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has also charged five other individuals with embezzlement, document falsification, office abuse, illicit business participation, and the payment of undue remunerations.

Unlawful Use of Chiuta District Secretariat Funds

The charges revolve around the unlawful use of Chiuta District Secretariat funds. High-ranking officials such as the District Permanent Secretary, the budget manager, the local administration department head, the personnel manager, and a finance department staff member are all implicated in the case.

Accusations from 2019

The case dates back to an incident in June 2019 when Jemusse and three others were accused of transferring 300,000 meticais from the district’s funds into their personal bank accounts. The prosecution alleges that the budget manager formulated this proposal, which Jemusse then authorized.

Neglect of Public Procurement Rules

In a subsequent alleged scheme in November 2019, Jemusse and two other individuals were accused of purchasing five motorcycles and helmets, in violation of public procurement rules. The prosecution posits that the group collectively defrauded the state of almost a million meticais between 2019 and 2021.

Additional Charges

In addition to these charges, Jemusse is also accused of hiring his wife for a non-existent position in the Chiuta District Secretariat. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled to decide whether there is sufficient evidence for a trial. These allegations of corruption against a high-ranking official underscore the challenges that Mozambique faces in its fight against corruption.