The recent arrest of NetOne Cellular (Pvt) Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has sent shockwaves through the country’s telecommunications sector. While ZACC alleges fraud linked to inflated contract figures, sources inside the parastatal claim the arrest may be tied to internal boardroom battles and succession politics.
Mr. Mushanawani is expected to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
Disputed Financial Records
According to ZACC, Mr. Mushanawani unlawfully authorized contracts worth US$1.2 million for system upgrades that were reportedly earmarked for replacement. However, internal company records reviewed by this publication tell a different story.
Documentation shows that only US$272,000 was disbursed, following established procurement policies and with proper approval processes observed. Company insiders describe the upgrades to the SAGE 1000 system as routine operational expenditures, far from the fraudulent excesses suggested.
The alleged overstatement of contract values is now raising questions about whether ZACC was furnished with misrepresented evidence, potentially designed to implicate the CEO.
Spotlight on Other Executives
At the same time, an internal NetOne probe is scrutinizing other senior officials. Among them is Mr. Learnmore Musunda, head of the commercial department, who is reportedly positioning himself to take over the CEO role.
Allegations against Mr. Musunda include:
- Irregularities in the disposal of company vehicles.
- Authorizing stock adjustments worth nearly US$10 million annually.
- Multiple reports of sexual harassment from employees.
- Allegedly bringing a firearm onto company premises to intimidate staff.
- Meanwhile, Mr. Chidzodzo, the head of procurement, is already facing the courts over the disappearance of 17
- Samsung Z Fold devices. He, too, has been linked with the questionable vehicle disposal saga involving Mr. Musunda.
Boardroom Conflict at the Core
Sources close to the board suggest the scandal may be deeply intertwined with board-level conflicts. Engineer Mawurukira, who chairs the NetOne board, recently halted questionable discount waivers and financial practices estimated at over US$20 million annually from Mr. Musunda’s division.
The timing of Mr. Mushanawani’s arrest has therefore fueled speculation that the charges could be part of a retaliatory campaign aimed at weakening the board’s oversight while shielding other executives under scrutiny.
What Lies Ahead
While the legal process against Mr. Mushanawani unfolds in court, the internal investigations into Mr. Musunda and other executives are ongoing. Analysts warn that unless these matters are handled transparently, NetOne risks destabilization at a time when it has been lauded by government for its role in nation-building.