‘Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe are out of Zimbabwe, but willing to cooperate with ZACC investigations,’ lawyers say

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

HARARE – Legal representatives for businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have confirmed their clients' willingness to cooperate with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) regarding allegations of money laundering and abuse of office linked to a $40 million tender scandal with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). 

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Currently out of the country, Chimombe and Mpofu have pledged full cooperation upon their return.

ZACC, which has expressed its intent to probe the contentious issue, possesses evidence implicating Wicknell Chivayo, Moses Mpofu, and Mike Chimombe, according to ZACC chairperson Michael Reza. 

The investigation follows leaked audio recordings that suggest corrupt dealings involving the trio and a contractual dispute over election material supplies.

Antonio & Dzvetero Legal Practitioners, representing Chimombe and Mpofu, stated in a letter to ZACC: "We act for and on behalf of Messrs Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe who have been made aware of press releases and/or advertisements in various media outlets... indicating your interest in interviewing them as part of an ongoing investigation."

The lawyers' letter assured ZACC of their clients' availability for interviews after their return to Zimbabwe, requesting notification for any interview requests from ZACC in the interim.

"Our clients are out of the country and will not be able to attend any interviews until their return to Zimbabwe, however, they are willing to cooperate fully with the investigations and are available to attend any requested interviews upon their return. 

"We kindly request that you notify us of any request you may have concerning this issue. In the meantime, kindly take note of our undertaking that we will ensure our clients' availability.

"We look forward to facilitating our clients' cooperation in this matter.”

At a recent swearing-in ceremony for High Court judges, Reza warned that ZACC would take necessary actions to secure cooperation if the individuals fail to voluntarily comply within a given timeframe.

"We know they have their rights but we have our time limit. If they don’t come we will go after them," Reza stated, emphasizing that the leaked materials warrant an active investigation by ZACC.