Gideon Msambakurima, a 39-year-old police officer stationed in Karoi, was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for allegedly defrauding the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) of over US$4,700 in fertiliser supplies.
Msambakurima joined the ARDA Joint Venture Farming programme and was allocated 8 metric tons of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser for his 20-hectare maize plot.
However, he is accused of using the same batch number to fraudulently obtain an additional 6 metric tons of Windmill Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, despite having already used up his original allocation.
Msambakurima appeared before Provincial Magistrate Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court on 18 February 2025, where he was granted US$200 bail. His next court appearance is set for 4 March 2025.
Brian Machekera is prosecuting the case on behalf of the State.
In a related case, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested three people, including a ZANU PF councillor, for allegedly stealing and selling Presidential agricultural inputs.
Chishamiso Linda Ellah, the Councillor for Ward 11 in Makoni District, along with Enita Choga, a former Grain Marketing Board (GMB) employee, and Crispen Makoni, appeared before Mutare Magistrate Annie Ndiraya, facing charges of theft under Section 113 of the Criminal Law Codification.
The trio is accused of conspiring to divert 400 bags of 50kg fertiliser, worth US$12,000, which they allegedly sold to buyers in Rusape.
They were granted US$200 bail and remanded to appear in court at a later date. Talent Nyamuzuwe prosecuted on behalf of the State.

Pindula News

A police officer named Gideon from Karoi is accused of stealing fertiliser from ARDA. He got more fertiliser than he was supposed to. He got caught and had to go to court. Now he has to wait until March for his next court date.

Police Officer Allegedly Defrauds ARDA Of US$4,700 In Fertiliser

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to operating independently and upholding the rule of law with diligence and integrity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 5, the NPA said that it focuses on thoroughness in its processes and does not rush to bring matters to trial if they are incomplete or lack sufficient evidence.
The NPA works closely with investigative agencies to support their efforts in ensuring successful prosecutions.
This statement follows criticism from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which on Tuesday condemned the NPA’s decision to withdraw fraud cases against several senior Harare City Council officials.
Questions were raised after the acquittal of town clerk Hosiah Chisango and five others involved in a US$9 million tender fraud case, which also includes Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, who are currently incarcerated.
In response, the NPA said that successful prosecutions depend on the quality of investigations, in what appears to be criticism of ZACC. It said:
<blockquote>
The success of prosecution is directly linked to the quality of conducted investigations. NPAZ takes pride in presenting only ready and complete matters in court, adhering to high standards and constitutional responsibilities.
The decision on how to proceed with cases rests on our constitutional prerogative to initiate criminal proceedings, and we are dedicated to fostering productive partnerships with supportive government agencies for a robust justice system.
</blockquote>
The NPA also disclosed that it received 314 dockets from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
It added that while not all of these cases were immediately ready for trial, they have been thoroughly reviewed and are being scheduled for prosecution.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) said it works independently to follow the law and bring justice by thoroughly investigating cases. The NPA responds to criticism from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) about dropping fraud cases. They believe in quality investigations for successful prosecutions and have received many cases from ZACC to review. The NPA takes pride in only bringing complete cases to court and wants to work well with other government agencies for a strong justice system. They are committed to prosecuting cases efficiently and fairly to uphold the law.

NPA Responds To ZACC's Criticism

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched a fraud investigation against Walter Magaya following doubts about the authenticity of a diploma he submitted to ZIFA and the High Court.
ZACC has written to ZIFA requesting the documents Magaya submitted when he applied to run for president in last month’s ZIFA executive committee elections.
According to documents seen by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zacc-pursues-magaya-after-unisa-says-his-diploma-is-fake/">ZimLive</a>, ZACC also reached out to the Judicial Service Commission seeking the record of proceedings in Magaya’s High Court application, which challenged ZIFA’s decision to bar him from the elections because he did not possess five O’ Levels.
ZACC made these requests for information on January 31.
At the centre of the investigation is a marketing diploma purportedly obtained from the University of South Africa (UNISA), which the university insists it never conferred on Magaya.
Magaya had submitted a copy of the diploma, certified as a true copy of the original by Waterfalls police, to argue that he had a higher qualification than the O’ Level passes required for the ZIFA position.
In a statement released on January 29, UNISA stated that it does not have Walter Magaya “either as a student or a graduate”. It said:
<blockquote>
Any certificate/s he produces which he claims to be from Unisa is/are therefore fraudulent.
</blockquote>
Magaya is a self-proclaimed prophet and the founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministry.
He owns Yadah Stars Football Club, which competes in the Premier Soccer League.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is investigating Walter Magaya for having a fake diploma from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Magaya submitted this diploma to ZIFA and the High Court. UNISA says they never gave him a diploma. ZACC asked for more information from ZIFA and the High Court about Magaya's case. UNISA called any certificates from Magaya fake. Magaya is a prophet and owns a football club. The investigation is ongoing to find out if Magaya lied about his qualifications.

Magaya In ZACC's Crosshairs Over Fake Diploma

Two police officers stationed in Mutare, Dudzai Jennifer Chiponda (47) and Glynislynn Mutsago (38), have been arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a pirate taxi driver and then attempting to flee from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officers.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the incident occurred on January 07, 2025. Chiponda and Mutsago arrested an illegal taxi driver for operating in the Mutare Central Business District and demanded a bribe of US$90 to release the vehicle.
The driver pleaded that he did not have the required amount and requested to go to his employer’s residence to collect the money.
Under this pretext, the driver drove to the ZACC offices, parked outside the gate, and entered the premises, leaving the accused officers waiting under a tree across the road.
The driver then reported the matter to ZACC officials, who set a trap. However, the police officers had already disappeared from the area.
The driver, accompanied by a ZACC investigation officer posing as his employer, returned to the CBD, where Chiponda and Mutsago approached and entered the vehicle. They accused the driver of deceiving them and insisted on their demand.
The ZACC investigation officer successfully negotiated for the bribe amount to be reduced to US$20. The two police officers then instructed the driver to drive towards the civic centre, where they followed to collect the bribe.
When ZACC reinforcement approached, Chiponda and Mutsago dropped the money and attempted to flee, but they were quickly apprehended.
The two police officers were granted bail and are scheduled to appear in court again on January 25, 2025, to face charges related to the attempted bribery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two police officers named Dudzai Jennifer Chiponda and Glynislynn Mutsago were arrested for asking for money from a pirate taxi driver in Mutare. The driver went to the anti-corruption officers for help. The police officers tried to escape but were caught. They had asked for a bribe of US$90 but were caught trying to take US$20. Now they have to go to court for the attempted bribe. The police officers are in trouble for being corrupt.

ZACC Arrests Two Police Officers Demanding Bribe From Pirate Taxi Driver

Former Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Mayor Justice Wadyajena (ZANU PF) has been shortlisted for public interviews next Thursday to select new commissioners for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Parliament has published the names of 47 shortlisted candidates, with several affiliated with ZANU PF.
Among those set for interviews are Tongai Matutu, Gabriel Chaibva (a frequent interviewee), and former ZANU PF MPs Berita Chikwama, Zalerah Makari, and Kindness Paradza. Former ZEC commissioner Qhubani Moyo is also in the running.
Parliament received a total of 145 nominations for potential appointments to ZACC.
The vacancies arose due to the expiration of terms for all sitting officers this year.
Every five years, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders selects and submits 12 nominees to the President, who appoints eight to the commission. The President also consults the committee to select the chairperson.
The terms for the eight ordinary members sworn in 2019 ended, prompting the new round of nominations advertised in August.
ZACC chairperson Michael Reza’s term is unaffected, as he was appointed in March this year to replace Justice Loice Mutanda-Moyo, now the Prosecutor General.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former MP Mayor Justice Wadyajena is being considered for a role in the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). There are 47 people being interviewed for this role, some from the ZANU PF party. The current commissioners' terms have ended, so new people need to be selected. The President appoints 8 people and selects a chairperson based on recommendations from the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. This process is done every five years. The chairperson of ZACC, Michael Reza, will not change as his term is still ongoing.

Wadyajena Among Candidates For ZACC Commissioner Role

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Mathew Mudimu (37), a Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) ranger, on charges of theft and criminal abuse of duty.
According to a statement from ZACC, Mudimu is accused of conspiring with fellow ranger Courage Homela to illegally sell stolen Kapenta fishing permit tags, resulting in an estimated loss of US$1,200 for ZimParks. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
It is alleged that Mudimu conspired with fellow ranger Courage Homela to steal unregistered fishing tags from ZimParks storerooms. These tags were meant for official allocation to kapenta fishers.
In March 2023, Mapuranga Chikwasha, a fisherman, had his application for a kapenta fishing permit rejected due to lake overcapacity.
However, Mudimu reportedly offered Chikwasha three stolen fishing tags for lease for US$450 per month.
Chikwasha paid US$700 through Mudimu’s wife and the accused person installed one of the tags on Chikwasha’s vessel.
</blockquote>
According to ZACC, the theft was uncovered during a routine patrol when ZimParks officials discovered an unregistered fishing tag and subsequently impounded the vessel. Investigations later confirmed that the tag had been stolen from ZimParks.
Mudimu was arraigned at the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court on November 27, 2024, where he was granted US$100 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on December 14, 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A ZimParks ranger named Mathew Mudimu was arrested for stealing and selling fishing tags. He worked with another ranger to steal tags from ZimParks and sold them to fishermen. One fisherman paid $700 for three stolen tags. Mudimu was caught when officials found an unregistered tag on a boat. He was charged with theft and criminal abuse of duty. Mudimu got bail and will go back to court on December 14, 2024. It is estimated that ZimParks lost $1,200 due to this illegal activity.

ZimParks Ranger Arrested For Illegally Selling Fishing Permits

ZANU PF Harare provincial chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa’s business offices were petrol bombed by unknown assailants on Sunday morning in Harare.
Reports suggest that the assailants, travelling in three vehicles, also attacked the security guard at the premises, which houses the Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies along Fife Avenue near the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission offices.
It is further alleged that the security guard sustained burns on nearly 80 per cent of his body and was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident in a post on their X page on Sunday:
<blockquote>
The ZRP is currently attending to a suspected petrol bomb incident which occurred at Zimbabwe Institute of Legal Studies along Fife Avenue near ZAAC offices, Harare.
</blockquote>
Masimirembwa told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/cde-masimirembwas-business-offices-petrol-bombed/">The Herald</a> that he was informed by one of his administrators about the incident at around 4 AM. He said:
<blockquote>
What happened is, I was phoned by the administrator of this college, which I own and told that around 4 am this place was petrol bombed.
The people who came here were about eight bouncers in two Fortuner vehicles and a Honda Fit. They were carrying petrol with them in a container.
They attacked our guard, made him lie and beat him up, poured petrol on him and burnt him.
As it is, he is struggling for his life at Parirenyatwa Hospital. He has over 80 per cent burns.
They threw a petrol bomb and they ran away. That is basically what happened. Clearly, these people did not come to rob or steal anything. It is something else.
It was one office mainly where the petrol bomb landed. I think their hope was the place would then catch fire, but fortunately, that did not happen.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Unknown attackers threw a petrol bomb at the offices of ZANU PF bigwig Godwills Masimirembwa in Harare. The attack also hurt the security guard, who was badly burned and taken to the hospital. The police are investigating the incident. Masimirembwa said the assailants came with petrol and attacked the guard before throwing the bomb. Luckily, the fire did not spread. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, as they did not steal anything. The guard is fighting for his life in the hospital.

ZANU PF Bigwig Godwills Masimirembwa's Offices Petrol Bombed

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) chairperson, Patrick Devenish, and the organisation’s chief executive officer Meanwell Gudu.
Devenish and Gudu appeared in court on Saturday, charged with criminal abuse of office. They were remanded in custody until Monday, August 26, for a bail application hearing before Harare regional magistrate Sandra Mupindu.
The duo are accused of extending a $397,000 loan to a local company owned by Itayi Masuka, without the knowledge or approval of other TIMB board members.
According to the State’s case, in May 2021, Devenish and Gudu, acting in common purpose and with the intention to defraud TIMB, granted the loan to Ultimate Accolade (Private) Limited, owned by the Masuka family.
They allegedly misrepresented that the loan was being provided under the Tobacco Inputs Credit Scheme funded by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), despite being aware that the RBZ’s funding for this scheme had been discontinued.
It is further alleged that Gudu, while out of the office, instructed the special projects manager to have the loan contracts signed by the acting chief operations officer, Blessing Dhokotera, who believed the loan was part of the legitimate Tobacco Inputs Credit Scheme.
As a result of this misrepresentation, the full $397,739.51 loan was disbursed to Ultimate Accolade (Private) Limited.
However, from 2021 to 2023, no significant effort was made to recover the debt, until the current acting CEO brought the issue to the board’s attention late last year.
The board then tasked the executive management to recover the debt, but so far, only $16,000 has been recovered out of the total $539,650.50, including interest.
Gudu’s arrest comes a day after he was acquitted by the Harare Magistrate Court of all charges related to the alleged misappropriation of over $2 million.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Two bosses from TIMB are in trouble for doing bad things. They gave a big loan without permission. They said the loan was from a special fund, but it wasn't true. They didn't try to get the loan money back for a long time. Only a little bit has been recovered. One boss got arrested, but was let go before. They will go to court to see if they can get out of jail. People are not happy with them for what they did.

Two TIMB Bosses Remanded In Custody On Corruption Charges

City of Harare town clerk Hosiah Chisango has been arrested for alleged unprocedural awarding of a US$9.2 million tender without following due process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 24 July, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirmed Chisango’s arrest.
Chisango is accused of awarding the multi-million dollar tender to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without following due process. Said ZACC:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Harare City Council (HCC) Town Clerk, Engineer Hosiah Chisango on charges of criminal abuse of duty.
Allegations are that Eng. Chisango acted in connivance with four other officials who are already in custody and awarded a streetlights tender worth over US$9.2 million to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, a company owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without following due process.
</blockquote>
Chisango was expected to appear in court on Thursday over the corruption allegations.
Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, both linked to ZANU PF, are languishing in remand prison following their arrest over alleged embezzlement of funds allocated through a goat supply tender by the government.
The duo allegedly secured a multi-million tender to supply goats under the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
However, instead of fulfilling their agreement, they allegedly used the funds for personal gain, purchasing luxurious vehicles and houses.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The town clerk of Harare, Hosiah Chisango, was arrested for giving a $9.2 million contract without following rules. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the arrest. Chisango is accused of working with others to give the contract to Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, owned by businessman Moses Mpofu, without the right process. Chisango was supposed to go to court. Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, connected to ZANU PF, are in jail for stealing money from a goat supply plan. They were supposed to give goats but used the money for themselves instead.

Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango Arrested For Corruption

The investigating officer from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) handling the case of Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, accused of defrauding the State of US$7 million, informed the court on Tuesday that the prosecution plans to call 13 witnesses in the trial.
Mpofu and Chimombe are accused of forging documents to win the tender of supplying goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme.
They are being represented by Arshiel Mugiya and Tapson Dzvetero.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/13-witnesses-for-chimombe-mpofu-case/">The Herald</a>, as of Tuesday, 02 July, the investigating officer Henry Chapwanya recorded statements from six witnesses, with plans to obtain at least eight more.
Chapwanya argued that due to this ongoing process, bail should be denied to the accused individuals to prevent potential interference with witnesses. He said:
<blockquote>
The accused persons know most of the witnesses because they interacted with them during negotiations for the tender at the Ministry of Agriculture.
</blockquote>
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje presented documentary evidence, a circulated memo on social media by the accused persons, indicating that the Government allocated approximately US$4 million for the project.
This contradicts the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s release, which stated the amount as US$7 million.
The proceedings were scheduled to resume today, July 3, with the defence lawyers expected to cross-examine Chapwanya.
It is important to note that Chimombe and Mpofu were only charged after they clashed with Wicknell Chivayo, regarding the distribution of funds from a controversial US$40 million deal to supply election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) ahead of the 2023 general elections.
On February 13, 2023, Mpofu and Chimombe allegedly entered into an agreement with South Africa-based Ren-Form CC to participate in ZEC tenders alongside Chivayo but were subsequently sidelined.
They are currently seeking US$10 million from Chivayo for lost earnings.
Furthermore, Chimombe and Mpofu are accused of leaking audio recordings in which Chivayo purportedly asserted that Mnangagwa and other high-ranking government officials were under his influence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Investigator Says 13 Witnesses Planned In Chimombe And Mpofu's Fraud Case

Authorities faced difficulties in locating the alleged fraud suspects and business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, with the intent of apprehending them on Tuesday, Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa was told Thursday.
Speaking in court while opposing the accused persons’ bail application, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigating officer Gamuchirai Zimunhu said the two men evaded arrest on Tuesday.
Zimunhu said Chimombe and Mpofu later promised to visit the ZACC offices by 6 PM on Tuesday, but they ultimately failed to show up as agreed. She said (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zacc-investigators-say-chimombe-mpofu-arrest-was-a-nightmare/">ZimLive)</a>:
<blockquote>
Public disorder may arise; people will no longer trust the justice system in that ZACC catches and releases people.
Accused may abscond from court. On Tuesday 25 June, we spent the greater part of the day manhunting for them and they were not at their place of residence.
We called them on Monday after they left. When Mr Chapwanya (the other IO) called Mr Mugiya to advise him that we wanted to see his client, Mr Chimombe said he was out of Harare and Mpofu was at his farm in Zvimba.
He promised to bring them before 6 PM but they didn’t come and Mugiya promised to bring them on Tuesday and we waited for them up to mid-day.
Mr Chapwanya advised Mugiya that his clients had turned hostile, which resulted in teams being deployed to manhunt the accused persons.
</blockquote>
Chimombe and Mpofu were finally arrested on Wednesday around 10 AM after they finally handed themselves in.
Zimunhu also said she was not satisfied with the address given by Mpofu. She said:
<blockquote>
I’m not sure if he stays at the Greendale house because the house is not yet complete. The gardener was present when we went there.
</blockquote>
Chimombe and Mpofu were on Friday, June 28, ordered to spend the weekend in remand prison after a bail ruling in their case was deferred to Monday, July 01.
The two individuals are accused of defrauding the government of $7 million that was earmarked for the Presidential Goat Scheme.
Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly failed to supply goats despite receiving full payment from the Government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Investigators Said Search For Chimombe And Mpofu Was Challenging

Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have been ordered to spend the weekend in remand prison after a bail ruling in their case was deferred to Monday, July 01.
The two individuals are accused of defrauding the government of $7 million that was earmarked for the Presidential Goat Scheme.
On Monday, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s investigating officer, Gamuchirai Sibongile Zimunhu, will continue testifying against the duo, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/chimombe-mpofu-to-spend-weekend-in-jail/">The Herald</a>.
Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly failed to supply goats despite receiving full payment from the Government.
On Friday, Zimunhu told the court that if the duo was released on bail, it could cause a public outcry as there was overwhelming evidence against Chimombe and Mpofu.
She said the public has an interest in the matter as the goats were supposed to benefit less privileged people in the country, hence people could protest if the two were granted bail.
Allegations are that Chimombe and Mpofu forged a ZIMRA Tax clearance certificate and an NSSA compliance certificate in the name of Blackdeck Private Limited and attached them to a bidding document which they submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development for a tender for the supply and delivery of goats for the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.
Chimombe and Mpofu allegedly misrepresented that the company was in full compliance with ZIMRA and NSSA requirements.
However, investigations indicated that the QR code and the reference on the NSSA compliance certificate were issued to a different company.
It is further alleged that Blackdeck Private Limited was deregistered from the NSSA system in January 2016.
The NPA said further investigations established that Blackdeck Private Limited was not issued with a ZIMRA tax clearance certificate for the year 2021 and that the QR code on the forged tax clearance certificate belonged to a different company. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
The Ministry transferred ZWL901 294 200 and ZWL698 705 800 on the 21st of April 2022 and the 29th of June 2022 respectively into their bank account.
The total amount was ZWL1.6 billion and was equivalent to USD7 712 197. Following delays in the delivery of the goats, the Ministry of Lands officials made several engagements with the accused persons.
The accused persons misrepresented that they had mobilized 32 500 goats across the provinces which were ready to be distributed to the beneficiaries.
However, a verification process revealed that the accused persons only had 3,713 goats in their holding sites.
The Ministry cancelled the contract on the 29th of August 2022, following the discovery.
</blockquote>
Chimombe and Mpofu reportedly only supplied a total of 4 208 goats valued at US$331 445 and went on to convert US$7 380 751 to their personal use. Nothing was recovered.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chimombe And Mpofu To Spend Weekend In Jail

Former business associates of ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo, Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, along with their legal representatives, voluntarily presented themselves before the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) this Monday, June 24, to assist with investigations into an election corruption scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
However, Mpofu and Chimombe departed the ZACC offices without being interviewed.
The investigating officer, Henry Chapwanya, reportedly informed them that he was occupied with another case and would contact them once he had time available to conduct the necessary interviews
Briefing journalists about the case soon after presenting themselves on Monday morning, the duo’s lawyer Tapson Dzvetero said (via <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/chimombe-mpofu-appear-before-zacc-for-questioning">The Sunday Mail</a>):
<blockquote>
We just presented our clients to ZACC who indicated that they will call us when they need us. My clients are willing to assist with any investigation.
</blockquote>
Mpofu and Chimombe returned from a business trip to China on Thursday.
According to a leaked ZACC memorandum dated 07 June 2024, Chimombe and Mpofu potentially face charges of contravening section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23 relating to the theft of trust property, and section 8(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
It is alleged that the duo were paid US$40 million by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for them to supply and deliver goats meant to support underprivileged households across the country under the Presidential Goats Scheme.
<div class="in_article">
<div>
It is further alleged that after Mpofu and Chimombe received the funds from the Treasury, they did not deliver the goats as agreed but they went on and converted the funds for their use through purchasing luxurious houses and vehicles. 
</div>
</div>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chivayo's Alleged Accomplices In "Corrupt" ZEC Deal Leave ZACC Offices Without Being Interviewed

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) X (Twitter) account has been hacked, the commission’s spokesperson, Thandiwe Mlobane, has said.
In a statement issued on June 21, Mlobane said that ZACC is making efforts to recover the account. She said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission wishes to inform the public and all key stakeholders of a security breach on the @ZACConline X account. The Commission is currently not in control of the account. The last official post was made on Thursday, 20 June 2024 at 18:25. Efforts to recover the account are underway. The public and all key stakeholders are urged to disregard any communications that may be posted on the @ZACConline X account, until further notice.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to eradicate the scourge of corruption and ensure the national development aspirations are attained within set timelines.
</blockquote>
In several posts on Sunday afternoon, the alleged hacker wrote:
<blockquote>
We must temper our excitement; we’re contending with an unscrupulous regime. The recent @ZECzim 
statement is a masterstroke of impunity, an opus of lies that boggle the mind. @advocatemahere has already laid bare the stark contrasts between their statements &amp; the undeniable facts
Let me start by detailing the entire @wicknellchivayo scandal. Mukuru arikudya kwese, Sir and the @ZECzim Chair are romantically involved. How Scott ignited the deal and ended up a passenger after cutting Chigumba her $250k at DaVinci in Sandton.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission's X Account Hacked

Economic Empowerment Group (EEG) president Mike Chimombe and his business partner Moses Mpofu are under investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC), over a botched US$87 million Presidential Goat Scheme.
According to a leaked ZACC memorandum dated 07 June 2024, Chimombe and Mpofu potentially face charges of contravening section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23 relating to the theft of trust property, and section 8(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
It is alleged that the duo were paid US$40 million by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development for them to supply and deliver goats meant to support underprivileged households across the country under the Presidential Goats Scheme.
It is further alleged that after Mpofu and Chimombe received the funds from the Treasury, they did not deliver the goats as agreed but they went on and converted the funds for their use through purchasing luxurious houses and vehicles. Reads the memo:
<blockquote>
Investigations that ensued established that on 16 November 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe represented by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development entered into a contract agreement with Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming represented by Moses Mpofu valued at US$ 87 757 168.00 for the supply and delivery of 632 001 goats over a period of five years.
Investigations conducted established that there is no company registered in Zimbabwe as Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, rather there is Blackdeck Private Limited registered on 12 February 2015 with two Directors being Moses Mpofu and Phinas Hazvineyi Kabisira.
Investigations further established the two parties agreed that the Ministry of Lands would make an advance payment of 30% to Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming towards the purchasing of the said goats.
Further investigations established that on 21 April 2022 and 29 June 2022, the Ministry of Lands transferred ZWL$901 294 200.00 and ZWL$698 705 800.00 respectively into Blackdeck CABS bank account number 1006126120 towards the supply and delivery of the said goats.
The total amount transferred by the Ministry of Lands to Blackdeck to date is ZWL$1.6 billion or US$7 712 197.10 converted at interbank rate.
</blockquote>
The memo indicated that the investigation is ongoing as ZACC was seeking to get a reconciliation of the total number of goats delivered to date to the Ministry of Lands by Blackdeck.
ZACC also sought to obtain Blackdeck’s CABS bank statement in which the funds for the purchasing of the said goats were deposited by the Ministry of Lands.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Probes Chimombe, Mpofu Over Botched US$87 Million Presidential Goat Scheme

Four Cotton Company of Zimbabwe Limited (COTTCO) employees stationed at Gokwe Depot were brought before the Gokwe Magistrates’ Court this week on allegations of stealing fertiliser meant for farmers.
The four, Chrispen Gwavuya (Business Unit Manager), Albert Kanimbirira (Business Accountant), Elvis Chakanetsa Nyamayaro (Human Resources Officer) and Thomas Fukai (Stores Officer) are facing theft of trust property charges.
Allegations are that sometime in 2023, COTTCO Gokwe depot was entrusted to distribute fertilisers to cotton farmers around the Gokwe area.
These fertilisers were under the free Presidential Input Scheme and were meant to be given to cotton farmers.
It is alleged that the accused persons acting in concert unlawfully decided to sell the fertiliser to COTTCO staff instead of giving the farmers as instructed. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said:
<blockquote>
On the 3rd of April 2023 accused 4 raised a disposal form requesting that 571 bags x 50kgs of Compound L fertilizers be written off as breakages.
On the 27th of July 2023, the accused persons held a meeting as the disposal committee and agreed that the fertilisers will be disposed to COTTCO employees. This was done without the authority or approval of the COTTCO Head Office.
The accused persons proceeded to sell 358 bags of 50kg fertilizer at USD2 to COTTCO employees who were not meant to receive them. The proceeds of the sale amounted to USD716.
</blockquote>
The four were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The commercial value of the prejudice is US$12 172.
Gwauya (46), Kanimbirira (30), Nyamayaro (54) and Fukai (45) appeared before magistrate Honest Musiiwa.
They were remanded out of custody to June 27.
They were ordered to remain at their given addresses, not to interfere with State witnesses and to report to Gokwe CID offices once every week.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Arrests Four COTTCO Bosses For Stealing 358 Bags Of Fertiliser

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says it has gathered more documentary evidence into a case of alleged money laundering and abuse of office involving Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu.
Mpofu and Chimombe are embroiled in a dispute with Chivayo over the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in the run-up to the 23 August 2023 general elections.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the swearing-in of High Court Judges at the Constitutional Court in Harare on Monday, June 17, Reza said they have built a strong case against the trio. He said:
<blockquote>
I can tell you, right now we have some documents which we want to show the three gentlemen and I hope I am not prejudicing investigations, but I want Zimbabwe to know that we have not been sitting on this investigation.
We have collected certain facts and when that information comes on form 242 and if everything goes according to plan, we will use this to go to court. You will see detailed information with facts, figures and numbers. You will see those things mark my words.
</blockquote>
Reza warned the three men that should they fail to present themselves voluntarily to ZACC, they would visit them.
<blockquote>
We know they have their rights but we have our time limit. If they don’t come we will go after them… Zimbabweans should know that ZACC is not toothless. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said there are no sacred cows.
I want Zimbabweans to know that there are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption and that is the stance we have taken as ZACC.
</blockquote>
Chimombe and Mpofu accuse Chivayo of fraudulently changing their contract with South African company Ren-Form and Better Brands to supply voting material to ZEC.
The US$40 million tender was for the supply of biometric voter registration kits and other electoral materials to ZEC during the 2023 general elections.
It is alleged that in cahoots with Ren-Form officials, Chivayo later fraudulently amended the agreement to remove his fellow business partners and grabbed the money for himself, 66% of the payments.
On Sunday, ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane said they will interview Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the alleged ZEC deal. The three men are said to be currently out of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Has More Evidence Against Chivayo - Reza

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested the former Director Investment for the National Security Authority (NSSA), Brian Murehwa, on allegations of fraud.
ZACC said Murehwa, who has been on the run for over a year, was arrested during a raid at his home in Borrowdale, Harare. It said:
<blockquote>
ZACC has arrested the former Director Investment for the National Security Authority (NSSA), Brian Murewa, on allegations of fraud. Murehwa, who has been on the run for over a year, was arrested during a raid at his Borrowdale home in Harare.
</blockquote>
Murehwa stands accused of misrepresenting the cost of a guest house acquired by NSSA in Kariba. While he claimed it was priced at US$240,000, evidence reveals that the actual purchase price was US$215,000.
He allegedly converted the US$25,000.00 balance to his personal use. Murehwa is scheduled to appear before the Harare magistrate court on Thursday, April 04.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Has Arrested Fugitive Former NSSA Director

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested the Deputy Director of the Road Services Division in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ernest Shenje.
ZACC said Shenje has been arrested on accusations of fraudulently claiming US$1 003 417 in compensation for a property affected by the construction of the new interchange at Mbudzi roundabout, along Simon Mazorodze Road, in Harare. He is expected to appear in court soon. ZACC said in a statement:
<blockquote>
ZACC has arrested Mr Ernest Shenje, Dep Director Road Services Division in the Min of Transport &amp; Infrastructure Dvt on charges of fraud, over a fraudulent claim of USD1 003 417-00 as compensation for a property affected by the construction of a multi-level interchange at Mbudzi.
Shenje, working in cahoots with one Levy Idana [who is still at large] and some lawyers, manufactured a fraudulent agreement of sale purporting that Levy Idana was the owner of Subdivision A of Subdivision B of Delft of Hopely which was in the name of John Maloney.
They used the fraudulent agreement of sale to claim compensation, misrepresenting that Idana had purchased the property.
Shenje went on to facilitate the processing working together with other Ministry officials. As a result, Idana was paid USD200 000.00.
</blockquote>
Last week, a local weekly publication reported that ZACC had questioned several directors at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development over alleged fraudulent activities linked to Mbudzi Traffic Interchange project funds.
According to the report, the officials were quizzed by ZACC after whistle-blowers leaked details linking them to the “pillage” of a fund meant to compensate owners of companies and houses who were moved to pave the way for the construction of the traffic interchange.
Officials who spoke to the publication claimed that of this figure, US$12 million could have been paid out to 52 affected individuals and businesses by the end of 2023.
The US$88 million Mbudzi interchange is at the intersection of Simon Mazorodze Road, Chitungwiza Road and High Glen Road in Harare.
Funding for the project is being done through local financial institutions, while the contractor for the project is a joint venture of three local road construction companies: Tensor Systems, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Construction, collectively coming under the banner of Tefoma Construction joint venture.
When complete, the interchange will have 13 bridges and 15 kilometres of interchange and service outlets.
This is expected to eliminate congestion at the point where two major highways meet the Beitbridge-Harare national highway.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ministry Of Transport Official Arrested For Looting Mbudzi Traffic Interchange Fund

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says criminal abuse of duty and fraud are the most prevalent crimes reported in 2022, with the highest number of complaints made against public officials.
This came out in the ZACC 2022 annual report received by the Parliament of Zimbabwe recently.
According to the report, which was seen by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019798/zacc-flags-corruption-in-govt">NewsDay</a>, of the 684 reports received by ZACC, 332 (48.50%) were about criminal abuse of duty and 247 (36.10%) fraud.
Theft or theft of property, which amounts to 29, money laundering (21), bribery (11), forgery (nine), extortion (six), tax invasion (six), smuggling (four), and three externalisation cases, are some of the reported cases. Part of the report read:
<blockquote>
A crime analysis shows that reports of criminal abuse of duty and fraud remain the most prevalent crimes reported in the year under review.
These were mostly concentrated in local authorities and rural district councils where the compliance teams had not conducted any reviews.
Further categorising these complaints into sectors, from the 684, 335 were against public officials, representing 68,4% of the total reports received; 175 were against officials or entities in the private sector, representing 25,58% of the total; and 66 were against land barons, representing 9,64% of the total.
Of the 335 complaints received against public officials, 255 were against public officials in various government ministries, and 80 were against public officials in local authorities and parastatals.
The commission handled 16 complaints against elected officials, chiefs, headmen and village heads.
</blockquote>
ZACC also revealed that cases involving public officials in government ministries were mostly against those in Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement; Mines and Mining Development; and Local Government and Public Works ministries. ZACC said:
<blockquote>
Forty-six of the complaints were against officials from the Lands Ministry, particularly the Lands Department. Most of the allegations against officials from the local authorities relate to the illegal sale of land or residential stands.
These corrupt tendencies were worsened by the emergence of land barons. For the year 2022, apart from arrests, the commission also focused on improving integrity, accountability and transparency in local authorities.
</blockquote>
Former ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo was cited as saying ZACC investigated a total of 157 (62%) and referred 134 (53%) dockets to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) from the 253 cases approved by the selection committee for investigations. She added:
Improved engagement with the NPAZ bore fruit as the year 2022 saw the commission recording a 72% conviction rate of the cases it had referred to the National Prosecuting Authority at the completion of trial.
Criminal abuse of duty involves a public officer, such as a government official or civil servant, intentionally abusing their position or authority for personal gain or to cause harm to others.
It refers to situations when a public officer acts unlawfully, dishonestly, or improperly beyond their duties, and their actions amount to a criminal offence.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Corruption Prevalent In Government Offices - ZACC

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says it will confiscate at least 2 000 vehicles that were imported through the abuse of the civil servants’ rebate scheme.
The underhand dealings were unearthed during an operation dubbed “Operation No to Abuse of Civil Servants Rebate Scheme” conducted by ZACC working together with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zacc-to-impound-2-000-illegally-imported-vehicles/">The Herald</a> before her appointment as Zimbabwe’s Prosecutor-General, former ZACC chairperson <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Loice_Matanda-Moyo">Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo</a> said:
<blockquote>
Working jointly with ZIMRA, ZACC through its investigations department has also engaged in “Operation No to Abuse of Civil Servants Rebate Scheme”.
The operation anticipates conviction-based forfeiture of about 2 000 vehicles which were acquired through the abuse of the civil servants’ rebate scheme.
</blockquote>
In 2019, the Government introduced the civil servants motor vehicle rebate scheme.
Under the scheme, civil servants who had served in the civil service for 10 years and above were allowed to import motor vehicles up to a specific value for each employment grade without paying import duty.
The scheme is governed by Statutory Instrument 52 of 2019 of Customs and Exercise [General] [Amendment] Regulations.
Last year, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/21/zacc-arrests-car-dealers-using-civil-servants-to-import-vehicles-duty-free/">reports suggested that some car dealers in Harare and other areas were importing vehicles using fake civil service rebate letters</a>.
Some civil servants were allegedly importing vehicles for others and charging a fee of up to US$1 500.
The vehicles remained registered in the civil servant’s name but driven by someone else.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Says To Impound 2 000 Vehicles Illegally Imported By Civil Servants

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) Director General, Taguma Mahonde has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for alleged corruption and corporate malpractices.
ZACC spokesperson Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane confirmed the development in a telephone interview with <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2023/09/26/exclusive-zimstat-director-general-taguma-mahonde-arrested-by-zacc-over-alleged-corruption/">Nehanda Radio</a>. She said:
<blockquote>
Director General of Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Taguma Mahonde has been arrested by ZACC for fraud. Investigations are still ongoing.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that Mahonde bought his service car, a Toyota Land Cruiser, which was originally priced at US$28 000, for only US$300 for the services rendered in three years.
He was also given a Land Rover Discovery which was bought in 2021. As a result, he ended up owning two vehicles in five years which is against principles of good governance.
Mahonde allegedly requested and received school fees allowances in US dollars for the 2023 first term despite that all employees at ZIMSTAT were being paid salaries in Zimbabwe dollars.
He was allegedly working in cahoots with the company’s Finance Director Romania Nyahwa to defraud the company of thousands of dollars.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMSTAT Director General Taguma Mahonde Arrested

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) says it has arrested the Executive Secretary for the Council for Legal Education on allegations of fraud.
In a statement, ZACC said Huggins Hardwork Duri was arrested for allegedly soliciting bribes from people who failed or did not sit for Conversion Examinations in exchange for facilitating registration with Council.
Duri has since appeared in Court and was remanded to 25 of August 2023 on US$500.00 bail. Read the statement by ZACC:
<blockquote>
ZACC arrested one Huggins Hardwork Duri on allegations of fraud. The accused person is the Executive Secretary for the Council for Legal Education, a Statutory Board responsible for regulating legal education, designating foreign legal qualifications and administration of conversion examinations among other functions.
It is alleged that the accused person was approaching persons who had graduated from Foreign Universities soliciting for bribes in exchange for facilitating registration with Council and ensuring that they were issued with certificates indicating a pass grade for all Conversion Examinations for persons that had failed the examinations or had not sat for these examinations.
The informant is a holder of a Law Degree obtained from a Foreign country. His application for exemption from writing Conversion Examinations had been rejected by Council. He threatened to report the accused person to law enforcement officials.
In exchange for not reporting the matter, the accused person undertook to facilitate the registration process for the informant on payment of the required registration fee of USD560.00.
The accused person would also ensure that the informant would get a pass grade for all subjects on his certificate even if he failed. The informant agreed to this arrangement and reported the matter to ZACC.
The accused was arrested after receiving USD520.00 which was part of the registration fees. Further investigations conducted established that the accused had issued 19 fraudulent certificates indicating a pass grade to individuals who had failed the examinations and to those that never sat any of the Council Examinations.
</blockquote>
ZACC added that Duri has since appeared in Court and was remanded to the 25th of August 2023 on US$500 bail.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Arrests Council For Legal Education Official For Fraud

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Chitungwiza Municipality Housing and Community Service Director, Hazel Sithole for corruption after she allegedly leased commercial stands to 30 beneficiaries on an area reserved as an open space in 2019.
Sithole has since appeared in court charged with Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer.
She was granted ZWL$100 000 and will be back in court on 31 July 2023. ZACC said in a statement:
<blockquote>
ZACC has arrested Chitungwiza Municipality Housing and Community Service Director, Hazel Sithole for Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer.
In 2019, the accused used her authority to lease commercial stands to 30 beneficiaries in an area reserved as open space.
The accused person’s actions were in conflict with Chitungwiza Municipality Housing Policy which provides that commercial stands are offered with council resolution and through competitive bidding. Her actions were intended to show favour to the beneficiaries.
Hazel Sithole appeared in court and was given ZWL 100 000.00 bail. She will be back in court on 31 July 2023.
</blockquote>
Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer is a criminal offence that is defined under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
It occurs when a public officer, such as a government official or civil servant, abuses their position of authority for personal gain or to cause harm to another person.
The offence is committed when a public officer wilfully neglects to perform their duty without reasonable excuse, unlawfully confers a benefit on themselves or another person or unlawfully causes harm or loss to another person.
The offence carries a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza Housing Director Arrested Over Corrupt Stands Deals

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has launched a manhunt for two suspected fraudsters, Andy Baleni (aka Mambondini) and Tinashe Zimunya.
In a statement, ZACC said the suspects lured hundreds of people through an advert they flighted on ZBC Radio Stations, purporting to sell heavily discounted cement.  ZACC said:
<blockquote>
WANTED PERSONS!!! ZACConline is looking for ANDY BALENI, popularly known as MAMBONDINI and TINASHE ZIMUNYA, for fraud.
The last known address of these 2 was 363 Harare Drive Pomona, and both are the Directors of KOFFIE N KING CORPORATION.
The accused persons lured hundreds of people through an advert they flighted on ZBC Radio Stations, purporting to sell heavily discounted cement at US$7.80 per bag.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of these criminals kindly reports to ZACC either via our social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook, or WhatsApp line 0719529483, Or our landline 0242 369602/5/8/14. See their attached photos.
</blockquote>
On Wednesday ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Baleni and Zimunya allegedly defrauded 70 people of approximately US$300 000. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with fraud cases involving the purported sale of cement “on special offer” to unsuspecting members of the public through advertisements on social media and radio stations by a company known as Koffie and King Hardware allegedly situated at 10 Mbuya Nehanda Street, Harare.
The suspects, Andy Baleni also known as Mambo Ndini whose last known address is Flat 3 Glen Lorne, Chishawasha, Harare and Tinashe Zimunya advertised cement on radio and social media platforms at very low prices and alleged special offers thereby luring the unsuspecting transacting public.
Delivery of the purported cement was said to be done within seven (7) days after payment for the consignment.
Resultantly, more than seventy (70) victims fell for the scam and were defrauded approximately USD$300 000-00.
</blockquote>
Asst Comm. Nyathi urged members of the public to exercise due diligence before making payments.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Launches Manhunt For Mambondini

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), and the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) have intensified investigations into eight individuals implicated in the Al Jazeera Gold Mafia four-part documentary series.
This comes amid concerns that Zimbabwe risks violating the strict regulations of the Financial Action Task Force (FAFT), an international policy-making and standard-setting body dedicated to combating money laundering and terrorist financing.
Zimbabwe has made the necessary reforms to address its money laundering and terrorist financing weaknesses and has been removed from the grey list by FAFT.
FIU director general Oliver Chiperesa told <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/gold-mafia-fiu-police-intensify-probe/">Business Times</a> that they are working with law enforcement agencies to identify assets and analyse transactions to establish possible links to crime. He said:
<blockquote>
The interim measures were also taken while monitoring and analysing the documentary episodes as they came out to see if there was further information that could potentially be used in criminal investigations.
After all the episodes, we are now sitting down with other relevant agencies and evaluating what is available, and deciding on the next course of action.
The FIU will not make a decision alone but in close consultation with law enforcement agencies as we always do.
</blockquote>
FIU has ordered the freezing of assets and accounts belonging to Ewan McMillan, Kamlesh Pattni, Uebert Mudzanire (aka Angel), and Simon Rudland. Said Chiperesa:
<blockquote>
The freezing is not a seizure of the funds or assets but simply an interim measure and a precaution to ensure that potential proceeds of crime are not disposed of or transferred before law enforcement agents can commence possible investigations.
It is important to emphasise that what is there at the moment are largely allegations and suspicions.
</blockquote>
Angel, who is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas, and a preacher, was secretly filmed by undercover Al Jazeera reporters offering to use his diplomatic cover to launder large volumes of cash into Zimbabwe as part of a gold smuggling operation.
He and his side-kick Rikki Doolan were also seen repeatedly name-dropping President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name.
The United Kingdom’s upper house of Parliament, the House of Lords, wants the British government to probe the allegations of criminal activity against its citizen, Angel.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gold Mafia: Financial Intelligence Unit, Police Intensify Investigations

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to provide content that will be taught to learners to ensure that they shun corruption from a young age.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zacc-to-take-anti-corruption-lessons-into-classrooms/">The Herald</a>, Justice Matanda-Moyo said the provision of anti-corruption education in schools is a stepping stone towards the realisation of a corruption-free country at all levels. She said:
<blockquote>
ZACC is currently working with the Curriculum Development Unit in the Ministry of Primary (and Secondary) Education to input teachable content in school syllabi.
The establishment of Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools and colleges, and the appointment of Anti-Corruption champions in both urban and rural communities are tools that will be used.
Mainstreaming anti-corruption content in the formal school curriculum is an important preventative tool.
</blockquote>
She said ZACC will work with religious groups in raising anti-corruption awareness and also disseminate anti-corruption information on both electronic and print media.
Matanda-Moyo also said ZACC was working on correcting the public’s perception that it was a useless organisation with no capacity to fight corruption.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Anti-corruption Content To Be Added To School Syllabi

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is this year targetting to recover cash and assets valued at over US$1 billion that were acquired through proceeds of crime.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zacc-hunts-for-us1-billion-loot">The Sunday Mail</a>, ZACC chairperson Justice Loyce Matanda-Moyo expressed confidence that the target will be attained. Said Matanda-Moyo:
<blockquote>
For asset recovery this quarter, investigations into unexplained wealth are at advanced stages and the commission is confident that by the end of the year, the commission will have seized assets valued at US$1 billion…
The commission is on course and has made 61 arrests and referred 68 completed dockets to the National Prosecuting Authority.
</blockquote>
She said ZACC has already secured two high-profile convictions, that is, former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) chief executive officer Saston Muzenda and Karoi provincial magistrate Felix Chauromwe.
Muzenda (48) was recently sentenced to 36 months in jail after being convicted of criminal abuse of office.
Chauromwe was jailed for his unlawful release from remand of three Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) officers in 2021.
Justice Matanda-Moyo said that ZACC will take the war against corruption to the private sector, especially mining, civil society and non-governmental organisations.
She added that ZACC will follow leads from various Auditor-General’s reports and ensure the alleged culprits are prosecuted.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC Targets US$1 Billion Unexplained Wealth

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says it is closely following the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Aljazeera_2023_Zimbabwe_Corruption_Documentary">Al Jazeera documentary</a> into alleged gold smuggling and money laundering in the country.
On Thursday, 23 March, Al Jazeera released Episode One (The Laundry Service) of a four-part series on the alleged smuggling of gold in Zimbabwe by well-connected individuals and their associates. ZACC said in a tweet:
<blockquote>
@ZACConline is closely following the Aljazeera broadcast.
</blockquote>
Gold Mafia, a four-part series by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, shows how Zimbabwean government officials and businesspeople are profiting off gold smuggling and money laundering.
The investigation reveals how criminals use gold to whitewash billions of dirty money through a web of shell companies, fake invoices and paid-off officials.
Uebert Angel, a pastor who was appointed a special envoy and ambassador-at-large to Europe and the Americas by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, his deputy Rikki Doolan, and Mnangagwa’s niece Henrietta Rushwaya, who is the president of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), are named as part of the mafia.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZACC "Closely Following" Al Jazeera Broadcast

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Thursday arrested National Social Security (NSSA) acting chief executive Charles Shava for fraud involving $12 246 571,48.
Shava allegedly altered a board resolution that had rejected the proposed allowances for four NSSA doctors.
It is alleged that Shava caused the human resources manager to pay the allowances without approval, claiming the board had approved the allowances.
He was taken to Avondale Police Station where he was detained pending his court appearance on Friday.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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