Exiled businessman threatens to take Mliswa to ICC

The former co-owner of Noshio Motors, Paul Westwood has threatened to take his case against Zanu (PF) Mashonaland West provincial chairperson and MP Temba Mliswa to the International Criminal Court.

The case was tried in Zimbabwe but Mliswa and his co-accused, who allegedly wrested 50 percent shareholding from Westwood, were acquitted in 2011 for lack of evidence.

Westwood fled Zimbabwe in early 2013 to Scotland, claiming that Mliswa threatened to “kill me, rape my wife and kidnap our two boys”. “I do not believe an MP should be allowed to get away with this,” Westwood said in an email to The Zimbabwean.

“All I want is compensation. If Temba thinks he can get away with this he is dreaming as Interpol, MI5 will be involved too. His parents live in the UK and I will stop at nothing until he has repaid every cent. Even if it takes 40 years!” said Westwood.

“My MP (in Scotland) will be taking this ALL the way to the ICC if need be. Temba Mliswa has stolen from a lot of people and cannot continue to get away with this nonsense!”

Westwood said President Robert Mugabe was in talks with the British government regarding the takeover of his shares, but this could not be confirmed at the time of going to print. His said the Scottish MP had written to Mugabe, the United Nations, EU, SADC and the African Union to petition them against the seizure, but he was yet to get responses.

“Mliswa believes he is untouchable and above the law but he has stood on too many toes and the time has come for him to be accountable for his actions and decisions,” added Westwood.

Zanu (PF) funder Billy Rautenbach recently accused Mliswa of extorting millions from him under the guise of connecting him to influential politicians.

Mliswa is nephew to Didymus Mutasa, the Minister of State in President Mugabe’s office.

Mliswa could not be reached for comment. The Zimbabwean