The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has initiated an investigation into potential money laundering and abuse of office involving businesspeople Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe, and Moses Mpofu.
The probe centers around a contractual dispute over the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
In a statement released yesterday, ZACC spokesperson Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane confirmed that the commission is examining a letter allegedly written by Mpofu and Chimombe to South African company REN-form, demanding payment and resolution of the contractual dispute.
“The commission has also noted audios allegedly attributed to Mr. Wicknell Chivayo. The letter and recordings raise issues related to money laundering and abuse of office that fall within the purview of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission,” said Mlobane.
ZACC plans to interview Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivayo to gather more information and clarify the issues raised. Additionally, the commission is interested in discussing the Presidential Goats Scheme mentioned in one of the audios with Mpofu and Chimombe.
“The commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline, and transparency in the public and private sectors, in line with the mandate outlined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The public is encouraged to report any instance of corruption and to support the commission’s efforts in promoting a corruption-free Zimbabwe,” Mlobane added.
This investigation follows a stern warning from the Government against individuals using the names of senior State officials to conduct illicit business deals. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, emphasized that such individuals would face serious consequences.
“The Government is sending a very stern warning to individuals with a predisposition to name-dropping and braggadocio for purposes of inflating their social and political importance. Government stands ready to institute legal action on all individuals who abuse the names of senior State officials. Law enforcement will be deployed without partiality on all those abusing the veneer of public institutions and high-ranking Government officials to give cover for their mischief,” said Dr. Muswere.
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The Government’s foundational value of openness should not be manipulated to sustain delinquent behavior, he continued. “Occasional interaction and proximity to high-ranking officials must not be generously misconstrued as a license for unwarranted name-dropping and braggadocio.”
This ZACC investigation comes amid criticisms of the commission’s perceived “catch and release” approach, where individuals are arrested but soon released without significant legal consequences. A recent example includes the acquittal of a former minister accused of embezzling US$90 million from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) on a technicality.
Dr. Muswere concluded by urging individuals to cease involving public officials’ names in their private business dealings. “Those implicated in such name-dropping and braggadocio must stand ready to bear the consequences awaiting them,” he warned.
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