ZACC to question Chivayo, Chimombe, and Mpofu over money laundering, abuse of office

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) will interrogate businessmen Wicknell Chivayo, Moses Mpofu, and Mike Chimombe over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office, ZACC spokesperson Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane announced.

Ex-con businessman Wicknell Chivayo with Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who he claims to have "captured" in the leaked audios due to his proximity as a "son" to him. 

This investigation follows leaked audio messages regarding a $40 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tender deal for last year's harmonized elections. 

In the recordings, Chivayo allegedly instructed Mpofu and Chimombe not to worry about the proceeds from the tender, which involved supplying election materials. 

The duo accused Chivayo of withholding their share of the deal, which also included Zanu PF's Mabvuku MP Scott Sakupwanya’s Better Brands company.

Chivayo allegedly assured them of more lucrative deals from other government departments due to his connections with President Mnangagwa and other influential figures.

"The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC/the Commission) has taken note of a letter purportedly written by Messrs Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, to a South African based company, REN-form, demanding payment and resolution of a contractual dispute," Mlobane said in a statement on Sunday.

"The Commission has also noted audios allegedly attributed to Mr. Wicknell Chivhayo. 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 Messrs. Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivhayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the matters highlighted. The Commission is also keen to interview Messrs Mpofu and Chimombe on the Presidential Goats Scheme mentioned in one of the audios."

ZACC reaffirmed its "commitment to curbing corruption and promoting financial discipline and transparency in both public and private sectors", in line with Section 255 of the country's Constitution.  

"The public is encouraged to report any instance of corruption and to support the Commission's efforts in promoting a corruption-free Zimbabwe," Mlobane concluded.

The leaked audio recordings have revealed startling details, such as South African firm Ren Form supplying ZEC an HP Proliant DL380 Gen 10 server at $1,264,865, while it is available for less than $5,000 on Amazon. 

These revelations have led many to believe in an elaborate plot involving Chivayo and government officials to embezzle public funds by avoiding public tendering.

Chivayo has denied the authenticity of the recordings, claiming they were created using "sophisticated technology." 

He extended his apologies to President Mnangagwa, First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, Central Intelligence Organisation director-general Isaac Moyo, and other influential individuals mentioned as beneficiaries of the ZEC tender or as part of his clandestine network.