Harare, Zimbabwe – Prominent rugby administrator Temba Mliswa has confirmed that he has been suspended from all rugby activities by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU), following allegations that he violated the sport’s constitution by publicly accusing its leadership of financial mismanagement.

The ZRU’s decision comes after Mliswa, who serves as the chairperson of the Mashonaland West provincial rugby board, took the union’s executives to court, which led to the arrests of ZRU vice president Losson Mtongwiza and secretary-general Sifiso Made on corruption-related charges.

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In an official statement, the ZRU defended the suspension, stating that Mliswa had breached Section 19.1 of the ZRU Constitution, which prohibits taking internal disputes to external courts instead of utilizing rugby’s internal governance structures, including Rugby Africa and World Rugby regulations.

“As a result of this constitutional violation, the ZRU Board resolved unanimously, in accordance with due process, to suspend Mr Mliswa with immediate effect. His case has been referred to a disciplinary committee, where he will be given the opportunity to present his case in a fair and transparent manner,” the ZRU statement read.

The union further emphasized its commitment to “respect, discipline, and unity”, maintaining that its internal disciplinary mechanisms are designed to handle such disputes efficiently.

Mliswa Speaks Out

Responding to his suspension, Mliswa took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, reiterating his claims that the ZRU leadership has been involved in financial misconduct.

“My only crime has been the continued insistence for bank statements and breakdowns relating to money they used,” Mliswa wrote.

He also suggested that more revelations about alleged corruption in the union were forthcoming.

“However, I don’t tire of such issues; they have only made it worse as they can’t sustain me and I will reveal more. No amount of name-dropping will work.”

Arrests of ZRU Executives

Mliswa’s legal challenge against the ZRU resulted in the arrest of Mtongwiza and Made, who have since appeared in court to face corruption-related allegations. The nature of the charges against them has not been fully disclosed, but sources indicate they relate to mismanagement of rugby funds and lack of financial transparency.

The unfolding saga has put the spotlight on governance issues within Zimbabwean rugby, with growing concerns about accountability at the highest levels of the sport’s administration.

What’s Next?

With Mliswa’s case now before a disciplinary committee, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his future in Zimbabwean rugby. Meanwhile, the arrests of senior ZRU officials raise serious questions about financial oversight in the sport.

As the battle between Mliswa and the rugby union escalates, all eyes will be on how ZRU handles this crisis—and whether it can restore credibility to its leadership.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.