Zanu-PF Speaks On Wicknell Chivayo’s Close Relationship With Mnangagwa

Zanu-PF Speaks On Wicknell Chivayo’s Close Relationship With Mnangagwa

In a recent development, the ruling Zanu-PF party has addressed the relationship between its leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Also read: ZACC Arrests Zanu-PF Politician For land Fraud

Wicknell Chivayo Boasts About Relationship President Mnangagwa

The matter arose as Chivayo is currently under investigation for alleged money laundering and abuse of office, stemming from a contractual dispute with his alleged business associates, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, over the supply of election materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

In leaked audio recordings, Chivayo is said to have boasted about his close relationship with President Mnangagwa, claiming that he has “captured the system” and is now the president’s “blue-eyed boy,” benefitting from lucrative contracts despite the standard competitive tender process.

Also read: “Ndakachibata Kuti Dzvii”: Wicknell Chivayo Brags About How He Has Captured President Mnangagwa

Angry Zanu-PF Responds to Leaked Audio

Addressing the issue, Zanu-PF’s Director of Information and Publicity, Farai Marapira, told ZiiFM Stereo that Chivayo had “abused the wisdom of and his access to the President.” Marapira emphasized that while the president maintains an “open-door policy” and is accessible to all Zimbabweans with “bright ideas,” it is unacceptable for individuals to “name-drop and abuse that access” for their gain.

“The president in his wisdom has said that he’s got an open-door policy for everyone. All who want to meet him should have access. All that have got bright ideas for the furtherance of this country’s future should have access to him. We have a possible case of someone misinterpreting the wisdom of the president to take it and personally use it for their own self-aggrandisement which is not fair. The president has his doors open for everyone and the president is there for any and all people of Zimbabwe. So for people to start name-dropping and abusing that access and abusing the wisdom of his excellency is something that we can not tolerate as a party,” Marapira said.

Also read: Mike Chimombe to Be Fired?: Zanu-PF Reveals Senior Member’s Future Amid Corruption Probe

Party’s Displeasure with Chivayo’s Remarks

Marapira expressed Zanu-PF’s displeasure with Chivayo’s alleged statements in the leaked audios.

“We are really saddened and embittered by some of these words that have been allegedly spoken by Mr Chivayo because these words demand and seek to reduce the standing and the goodwill of our President and first secretary within the eyes of the people and we cannot tolerate this as a party. People should not misinterpret the wisdom of the president when he makes himself accessible because his accessibility is for the betterment of the country’s future. His accessibility is so that he  is in touch with exactly what will be going on on the ground,” Marapira said

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