Detained Businessmen Allege Officials Benefited From ZEC Tender Money

Detained Businessmen Allege Officials Benefited From ZEC Tender Money: In a courtroom twist, detained businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe claim that undisclosed government officials absorbed most of the US$40 million granted to ex-convict Wicknell Chivayo for election supplies.

Mpofu and Chimombe, both jailed, allege they’re facing persecution for releasing tapes revealing corruption within the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), a significant move that has placed them under intense legal scrutiny.

Their claims add a volatile layer to the ongoing case, centering on allegations that Chivayo’s priority was not the procurement of materials, but instead, paying these officials.

The pair testified, expressing disappointment over the way funds were distributed, hinting at potential mismanagement or embezzlement within high-ranking circles.

Arrested in June, the two businessmen were initially accused of defrauding the Presidential Goat Scheme. Yet, they assert the charges appear to distract from their concerns about the ZEC tender.

They remain astonished at being charged in connection to the goat scheme, given their expectation of being questioned about the far larger ZEC tender scandal, which they see as the real issue.

Their remarks suggest a deeper undercurrent of financial manipulation, implicating political figures in dubious transactions and highlighting concerns of corruption within government institutions.

For Mpofu and Chimombe, the case signifies more than just a legal battle. It represents a confrontation against systemic forces they believe have used government funds to prioritize personal gain.

Their testimony reflects an uncommon transparency, challenging powerful figures and underscoring broader concerns over the use of public funds in Zimbabwe, a nation frequently troubled by corruption.

The Zim Bulletin