ZEC Breaks Silence on Ties to Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu Amid ZACC Corruption Probe
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has responded to reports that they gave tenders to Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu without following due process.
The statement comes as the three men are being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for alleged theft of trust property and money laundering. The probe was launched following a contractual dispute between the trio over the supply of election materials to ZEC.
Also read: Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Associates Linked to ZEC’s US$9 Million Toilets-Gate Corruption Scandal
New Allegations Against Controversial Trio Emerge
According to a report by ZimLive, a South African company linked to the businessmen received US$9 million for portable toilets and vests just six days before the election. The toilets, reportedly priced at a staggering US$3,800 each, were delivered eight months late, despite retailing for about US$300 in South Africa. Finance permanent secretary George Guvamatanga allegedly approved the payment on September 7, two weeks after the election.
Also read: Shock As SA Firm Linked To Wicknell Chivayo Charged ZEC US$1.2 Million For An HP Server Worth US$4,000
ZEC Denies Business Relationship With Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu
On Friday evening, ZEC issued a statement saying that it does not have a business relationship with Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu.
“We have noted with great concern social media posts and rumours circulating online, that are causing public alarm and despondency and we would like to put it on record that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has no contract nor did it procure any election material from or through individuals being mentioned in the reports,” part of the statement reads.
ZEC emphasized that all materials for the 2023 Harmonised Elections were procured in strict accordance with procurement regulations, ensuring thorough oversight throughout the tender processes. The commission challenged accusers to present concrete evidence of any agreements with Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu.
Also read: From Goats to Garbage: Moses Mpofu Faces New €450K Fraud Allegation Amid Ongoing ZACC Probe
2023 Harmonised Election Material Delivered On Time
ZEC disputed the figures reported in the media, asserting that the actual costs were significantly lower and that all election materials were delivered on time.
“We want to also publicly declare that the actual amounts used for the procurement of all the election materials were far less than the figures being mischievously circulated on social media. All election materials procured during the 2023 Harmonised Elections were delivered on time,” the statement reads.
The Commission further confirmed with the supplier that there were no contracts involving Chivayo, Chimombe, and Mpofu. ZEC clarified that no third parties were involved in their procurement processes.
“Any statements suggesting a contractual link between ZEC and these individuals for the supply of the 2023 Harmonised Elections materials are inaccurate, misleading and mischievous and therefore should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. The Commission assures all its stakeholders that all procurements were above board,” the statement concluded.
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