ZIMBABWE-Air Zimbabwe company secretary, Grace Pfumbidzayi has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the national airline of millions of dollars in an insurance scam, police revealed Wednesday.

Charity Charamba, the national police spokesperson confirmed the arrest saying Pfumbidzayi faces six counts of fraud and another charge of criminal abuse of authority as a public officer.

"Pfumbidzayi is also facing six counts of contravening section 136 of the Criminal law, where Air Zimbabwe allegedly suffered an actual prejudice of $1 298 827 88 and Euro 5 895 695-90," said Charamba.

"She is also facing allegations of contravening section 174 (1) (a) of the criminal law (codification and reform Act) of criminal abuse of duty as public officer."

The executive is expected to appear in court "as soon as investigations are completed".

The arrest comes as the Zanu PF government has stepped up the fight against corruption amid allegations the rot was rampant in most State enterprises.

Pfumbidzayi was, last Friday, found guilty by an Air Zimbabwe disciplinary tribunal chaired by lawyer Wellington Pasipanodya for facilitating payments of inflated premiums to an insurance company, Navistar.

Other members of the national airline management who have been implicated in the scandal include acting chief executive officer, Innocent Mavhunga, human resources manager Oswaald Madziva.

Also accused is finance and administration manager Patience Tichagwa, strategy and economics head Norbert Machingauta, and acting general manager Nicholas Mujere.

Source:AllAfrica