Harare, Zimbabwe | In a heated exchange in Parliament, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has challenged accusations that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is surrounded by criminals, demanding evidence to support such claims.
Ziyambi’s remarks come amidst growing concerns about the president’s ties to controversial figures like businessman Wicknell Chivayo and Mike Chimombe.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Mbizo legislator Corban Madzivanyika directly questioned the justice minister, who also serves as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament about the government’s ability to arrest and prosecute alleged criminals close to the president.
“Do you have the capacity to arrest and prosecute criminal elements that are alleged to be close to the Presidium of this country? If not, is it possible to invoke what was invoked in November 2017, to correct or restore legacy?” asked the legislator.
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In response, Ziyambi stated that he would require concrete proof of the claims made against the president and his associates.
“I want to thank the Hon. Member for the question. Can the Hon. Member furnish me with concrete proof that the President is surrounded by criminals? I thank you,” said the justice minister.
The exchange takes place against the backdrop of ongoing investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) into deals involving controversial businessmen Wicknell Chivayo, Moses Mpofu, and Mike Chimombe.
ZACC is also investigating Chimombe and Mpofu for allegedly abusing US$40 million in funds intended for the Presidential Goat Scheme, with claims that the money was spent on luxury houses and vehicles instead of the intended beneficiaries.
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