HARARE – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has announced its intention to investigate controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, along with his former business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, for suspected fraud and money laundering.
The investigation comes after a letter and audio recordings surfaced, allegedly implicating the trio in corrupt activities.
According to ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane, the commission has taken note of a letter purportedly written by Mpofu and Chimombe to a South African-based company, REN-Form, demanding payment and resolution of a contractual dispute.
The trio is in a bitter fight over the alleged US$40 million corrupt elections tender deal.
Chimombe and Mpofu claim that Chivayo went on a spending spree after receiving money from a corrupt US$40 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission tender last year.
They allege that Chivayo bought two Maybachs, a luxury car brand, in one week, one in Johannesburg for R3.5 million and another in Harare for US$400,000, which he referred to as “little change”.
Chivayo’s spending habits have raised eyebrows, with reports indicating that he has spent US$3 million on cars and cash donations, mainly to Zanu PF supporters and sympathisers. His fleet of luxury cars includes three Maybachs, an unusual sight in Zimbabwe and elsewhere.
The letter and audio recordings have raised concerns related to money laundering and abuse of office, which fall within ZACC’s purview.
Mlobane stated that ZACC will be interviewing Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the matters highlighted. The commission is also keen to interview Mpofu and Chimombe on the presidential goat scheme mentioned in one of the audios.
“The letter and recordings raise issues related to money laundering and abuse of office that fall within the purview of the Commission.
“Consequently, ZACC will be interviewing Mr Mpofu, Mr Chimombe, and Mr Chivayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the matters highlighted. The Commission is also keen to interview Mr Mpofu and Mr Chimombe on the Presidential Goats Scheme mentioned in one of the audios.
“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,” Mlobane said.
The investigation comes after an audio recording went viral, featuring Chivayo allegedly claiming to have captured President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The recording led to a scandal, with Chivayo accused of using the President’s name in his alleged nefarious deals. Zanu-PF’s youth league has since called for an investigation into Chivayo’s conduct, accusing him of abusing his proximity to the President.
Chivayo has since distanced himself from the audio and apologised to the President, First Lady Auxillia, and other influential people mentioned in the recording.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has indicated that the police will be briefed on the matter today and will provide a statement afterwards.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
