Former Gokwe Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena, a controversial businessman with shadowy links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is not off the hook for corruption charges despite getting his seized properties back.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) cleared up the confusion, stating that the case is ongoing.
“Contrary to reports that charges against Justice Mayor Wadyajena were dropped by the courts, instead the accused was removed from remand to allow for extra-territorial investigations to be conducted and finalised,” ZACC explained in a notice.
The Mutual Legal Assistance process was instituted through the National Prosecuting Authority for various jurisdictions to conduct investigations through the respective law enforcement agencies.
“These investigations are still ongoing and once complete, the State will proceed by way of summons. Any updates about the progress on investigations will be provided in due course.”
Wadyajena was arrested for allegedly misusing funds from the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco).
He, along with Cottco officials, Pius Manamike, Maxmore Njanji and Fortunate Molai, and Pierpont Moncroix Director Chiedza Danha, were accused of fraud and money laundering involving millions of US dollars.
The money, meant for importing cotton bale ties, was allegedly diverted to buy trucks and for other unauthorized purposes. Wadyajena’s company, Mayor Logistics, was also implicated.
The High Court recently ordered the return of Wadyajena’s seized property, including trucks and luxury cars. The decision, however, only addressed the property, not the charges themselves.
Wadyajena’s lawyer portrayed this as a win, but ZACC maintains the case is active.
ZACC is using the Mutual Legal Assistance process to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in other countries.
This suggests the investigation may involve tracing allegedly laundered funds or uncovering accomplices abroad.
ZACC says investigations are ongoing. Once complete, they will summon Wadyajena for court proceedings.
