By Own Correspondent| Citizens here have expressed concern following a High Court ruling that cleared controversial businessman, Wicknell Chivhayo of any wrongdoing in the Zimbabwe Power Company tender saga.
Addressing Zanu Pf delegates in Esigodini Bulawayo (Friday), President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he did not understand how the judiciary operates following the acquittal of the controversial businessman.
Independent legislator for Norton, Temba Mliswa described the judiciary system as shaky accusing it of failing to deal with corruption.
Said Mliswa in a tweet:
“Corruption lives another day….What’s wrong with this country? Is the judicial system captured too? How will we deal with corruption now? I’m one who had faith in the judiciary now the 3 pillars are looking shaky… it’s very difficult.”
Chivayo’s court victory leaves Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) with the onus of paying him $25 million for breach of contract or to allow his company to proceed with the Gwanda solar project.
ZPC and Intratrek had signed $172 million agreement for the construction of the Gwanda solar project which Chivhayo failed to deliver.
Human rights lawyer and former education minister David Coltart said failure by the Mnangagwa led administration to prosecute corruption cases was damaging the country.
Said Coltart:
“If this catch and release strategy of the Mnangagwa regime was not so damaging to #Zimbabwe this would be funny. The gulf between the rhetoric of “zero tolerance of corruption” and real action is widening. Mnangagwa and the ruining party’s smoke and mirrors game are now clear to all.”
Chivhayo’s acquittal follows revelations by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr John Mangudya that the central bank had absolved four of its officials previously implicated of illegal forex deals.
Said the RBZ in a statement:
“Members of the public will recall that on 22 October 2018 the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the “Bank”) suspended, for an indefinite period, four of its staff members namely Messrs Mirirai Chiremba, Norman Mataruka, Gresham Muradzikwa and Azvinandawa Saburito pave way for investigations following some public utterances by Mr William Gerald Mutumanje (also known as Acie Lumumba) that the four directors were involved in corrupt activities and illicit currency dealings. At the time the Banlk advised that it would follow through and investigate the allegations and advise the public of the outcome.
The Bank and the law enforcement agents carried out investigations which on conclusion have revealed that Messrs Chiremba, Mataruka, Muradzikwa and Saburi were not involved in the corrupt activities or an impropriety as alleged by Mr Mutumanje. The Bank would thus like to advise the public that the quarter has been accordingly absolved of any wrong doing.”