By Staff Reporter
Civil Society Organizations in Zimbabwe are concerned about the growing state capture by individuals with links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Social Media Networks were abuzz last week with leaked voice messages from Wicknell Chivayo boasting about making millions due to his close ties with the President.
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition issued a Press Statement regarding the Chivayo saga and the exposure of his mystery wealth, which has seen him acquiring government tenders of considerable amounts. Earlier this year, Chivayo made headlines through his car donations to various individuals.
In its statement, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition asserts that Zimbabwe is now at risk from criminal mafias such as Chivayo and the other syndicates that are capturing the state.
“There is widespread influence and undue control over various branches of the government and the Executive. What Zimbabwe is currently facing under President Emmerson Mnangagwa can be described as a form criminal state capture by his associates who are involved in corrupt businesses with the president,” says Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition in its statement.
According to the coalition, the abuse of power by individuals like Chivayo and their corrupt ties to the president is leading to bullying and intimidation of government departments, parastatals, police and Chapter 12 institutions to obtain tenders and illegally divert state funds into their own pockets.
“The level of corruption in Zimbabwe has reached a point where people can no longer stay silent. The wealthy ruling class is seizing land and siphoning off taxpayer funds. It has been confirmed that some suppliers provided materials to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) without going through a competitive tender process. The August 2023 election had a budget of US$188 million, it did not have proper costing and no transparent procurement process,” says Crisis Coalition in its statement.
“When a select few are looting state resources to buy cars, it becomes deeply concerning. Money and state resources are being misspent by corrupt individuals in Zimbabwe, undermining the country’s justice system,”
Marvellous Kumalo, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Spokesperson, says law enforcement agencies should hold accountable anyone who steals from the state, regardless of their close links to the President.
“Scandals such as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the Ministry of Local Government’s mishandling of fire-tender contracts cannot be overlooked. The improper awarding of contracts, influenced by the Office of the President, to Better Brands company, owned by ZANU PF MP Scott Sakupwanya, jeopardizes the commission’s independence and its ability to oversee fair elections.”
“The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition urges all Zimbabweans, including those in the ruling Zanu PF party, to come together to uphold and defend the Constitution, revive the principles of the liberation struggle, safeguard the honour of the office of the President, free the judiciary and parliament, and ensure that the hopes of ordinary Zimbabweans take precedence. The level of corruption goes much deeper and wider than what has been reported in the media. Therefore, we demand the immediate establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate state capture and the ZEC-gate scandal. Those found on the wrong side must face justice,” read part of the statement.
