The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has announced an investigation into controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, along with associates Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, following explosive revelations of alleged high-level corruption and money laundering. The probe focuses on a US$40 million election tender for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for the 2023 elections.
Chivayo, renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, has come under fire after his business partners accused him of money laundering and fraudulent activities.
In a letter to South African supplier Ren-Form executive Angus Carlaw, Moses Mpofu stated that Chivayo had been on a car-buying spree, donating vehicles and splurging on mansions and designer clothes.
Also Read: Chivayo’s uncle appointed High Court judge
Chivayo dismissed the allegations, branding his partners as “extortionists and illiterate briefcase businessmen.”
ZACC’s investigation is not limited to the election tender. The Commission has also taken an interest in the Presidential Goat Scheme mentioned in the leaked audios.
In a press release, ZACC spokesperson Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane stated,
“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline, and transparency in the public and private sectors.”
In a press release issued on 16 June 2024, ZACC stated:
“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.
“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. The Commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline and transparency in the public and private sectors, in line with the mandate outlined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“The public is encouraged to report any instance of corruption and to support the Commission’s efforts in promoting a corruption-free Zimbabwe.”
The scandal erupted when Mpofu and Chimombe wrote to Carlaw, complaining about Chivayo’s actions.
The letter, along with leaked audios, highlighted allegations of money laundering, misuse of office, and the lavish lifestyle funded by the tender money.
Wicknell Chivayo Responds to ZACC Investigation with Cryptic Instagram Story
Following the announcement of the ZACC investigation, Chivayo took to his Instagram stories with a cryptic response. He shared a video of himself driving his Rolls Royce while singing along to Jah Prayzah’s “Vanorodza Museve.”
In the video, Chivayo is singing along to the song which goes, “Vanonyaudza kunge nhekure/Handikendenge Mambo/Voda kunyangira ndirere/Vanorodza museve” which roughly translates to “They are making an irritating noise but I do not care/They are plotting whilst I sleep/They are sharpening their arrows to attack me”.
