Whereabouts of NSSA official unknown amid ZACC investigations
The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) is appealing for information on the whereabouts of National Social Security Authority (NSSA) Director of Investments Brian Mrewa who was suspended two weeks ago on allegations of corruption and fraud.
Mrewa was suspended on allegations of being involved in dodgy “scandalous” acquisition of properties by the authority.
In a public memo released by NSSA on Wednesday afternoon, the social security organisation is appealing for information of Mrewa’s whereabouts.
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in its ongoing Financial Investigations at NSSA is interested to interview Mr Brian Mrewa (NSSA Investments Manager) to assist in the Investigations.
“Anyone with information regarding the present whereabouts of Mr Brian Mrewa to assist in advising him to contact ZACC Investigations Department on 0719529483 0242 369602/5/8/14,” read the memo.
Three days ago, a Twitter user only named Majaira Jairos claimed that Mrewa is being targeted for a factional battle going on between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga.
“Both the Mnangagwa faction and Chiwenga’s faction have been using NSSA as a cash cow and have clashed over access to money. As I am typing NSSA Director of Investments Brian Mrewa escaped the country, apparently after the Chiwenga faction accused him of funding ED’s on going coup
“State agents, probably Chiwenga’s agents were after Brian Mrewa & agents from Mnangagwa’s side tipped Mrewa to leave the country. My source says Brian could be in South Africa. There is a lot going on and our country is in total mess. Pana Idhii takairasa,” he said.
In July last year, NSSA General Manager Arthur Manase was sent on forced leave after Nehanda Radio exposed him as the mastermind behind the alleged looting of millions of dollars in hefty allowances and benefits from underpaid pensioners living in abject poverty.
Investigations revealed that Manase received a US$750 000 housing loan and continued to receive a monthly US$2 500 housing allowance to service the loan despite the fact that he already owns a home. Five luxury vehicles had since been allocated to him.
Top executives also received loans ranging from US$60 000 to US$100 000 and top of the range latest Land Rover Discovery vehicles after receiving loans.
Manase was also accused of restructuring influential positions such as Financial Director, Head of Audit, and Head of Procurement at NSSA in order to puppeteer his launchpad for alleged looting.
Against this background, Manase was suspended to pave the way for investigations and an internal audit by ZACC.
Mrewa meanwhile is being sought by ZACC for interviews.
