By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s investment adviser to the United Arab Emirates, Paul Tungwarara, has been implicated in a US$2.3 million fraud case, adding to a growing list of Mnangagwa’s business associates accused of financial misconduct.
ZimLive reports that Tungwarara, leveraging his political connections, allegedly swindled an Indian businessman, Razaa Jishan, through fraudulent property sales and unfulfilled promises of work permits and gaming licenses.
His case mirrors that of convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivhayo, another controversial figure with close ties to Mnangagwa, who was recently exposed in a fresh looting spree.
Jishan, 30, had plans to establish a gaming business in Harare and was introduced to Tungwarara, who presented himself as a director of Prevail International.
He produced a board resolution authorizing him to sell Stand Number 3 Tyward Close, Ballantyne Park, in the Highlands suburb.
Between October and December 2022, Jishan paid US$1.3 million in five instalments for the property.
In addition, Tungwarara secured contracts to construct offices (US$550,000) and a septic tank (US$99,000) and was givenUS$150,000 to facilitate a gaming license.
He further promised to secure 450 work permits for Indian workers under Jishan’s company, Rod Cell Incorporated.
Tungwarara’s deception extended beyond real estate. Jishan reported that he relied on Tungwarara for internet services, only for the businessman to use this dependency as leverage.
“Each time he wanted money, he would threaten to switch off our internet, and several times he did, only restoring it after I paid,” Jishan told police.
The fraud unravelled when Jishan attempted to complete the property transfer, discovering that Hopsick Investments, not Tungwarara, owned the land.
The offices, gaming licenses, and work permits never materialized. In February 2023, Tungwarara forcibly locked Jishan and his workers out of the property.
A month later, he escalated his actions by arriving with armed men and ordering everyone to vacate. In total, Jishan lost US$2,294,000.
Tungwarara has a history of alleged fraud.
In 2019, he borrowed US$350,000 from Jospher Chibisa under false pretenses of holding State House construction tenders but only repaid US$64,500.
Chibisa’s police complaint disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Tungwarara’s company, Paulos Construction, was also awarded a tender to build a State House perimeter wall, but the Ministry of Finance rejected his US$15 million invoice.
Nevertheless, he continues to secure lucrative contracts, including the controversial “presidential borehole scheme,” where he has been distributing cash to war veterans in Mnangagwa’s name to bolster political support.
Tungwarara’s fraudulent dealings mirror those of Wicknell Chivhayo, another Mnangagwa ally.
Over the weekend, Chivhayo was reported to have traveled to Kenya, allegedly to deliver illicit funds tied to his murky operations.
His close ties to Mnangagwa have long raised concerns, as he benefits from questionable government contracts while flaunting an extravagant lifestyle on social media.
Chivhayo’s recent meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto has further fueled speculation about his cross-border dealings.
Critics argue that his ability to access influential leaders underscores Mnangagwa’s deep patronage network.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has been vocal in his criticism, warning that Mnangagwa’s business runners, whom he calls Zvigananda (bootlickers), will face legal consequences if he assumes power in 2028.
Despite mounting allegations, Mnangagwa has publicly defended Chivhayo.
When pressed about their association, he dismissed concerns, saying, “If there is anyone who has lost money to Chivhayo, they should report him to the police.”
However, police were already aware of multiple complaints against him when Mnangagwa appointed him as a special presidential investment adviser in November 2023.
Meanwhile, Tungwarara has emerged as a key figure in Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule beyond 2028, despite constitutional limits.
He has been actively using state resources to garner support, launching borehole projects for war veterans and distributing high-end smartphones to journalists to promote Mnangagwa’s propaganda campaign, EDWORKS.
Reports indicate that 32 journalists, mostly from the state media, now receive a US$300 monthly stipend for endorsing Mnangagwa’s leadership.