Permanent Secretary for Information Nick Mangwana has spoken on the businessmen Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe, and Moses Mpofu scandal.
Due to claims that they obtained millions of dollars from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) through erroneous tendering procedures, the trio has garnered a lot of attention on social media.
These businesses are the subject of an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for possible money laundering and official misconduct pertaining to a contract dispute over the provision of election materials to ZEC.
Concerns have been expressed about these people’s possible legal ramifications because they are said to be close associates of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In response, Mangwana said on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account:
“”Nobody is above the law,” reassuring the people that the law is applicable to everyone. Criminals will go to jail. Simpu.”
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Many Zimbabweans, however, expressed their misgivings in the comments section, pointing out that such statements are frequently at odds with the actual circumstances. Nick Mangwana was also advised by some commenters not to make such claims as they would compromise his position.
In another story, Wicknell Chivayo, who was previously charged with corruption, is now the target of fresh accusations from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
According to reports, shortly before the August 2023 elections, ZEC placed an order for 2,000 non-flushable toilets for US$7.6 million. These restrooms, which were valued at roughly US$300 in South Africa, were supplied eight months following the election and came at a cost of US$3,800 each.
Two weeks after the election, George Guvamatanga, a senior officer in the finance ministry, sanctioned this payment and is currently under investigation.
The focus of these accusations is the South African business Ren-Form CC.