Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, central figures in the US$40 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tender scandal, have informed the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) that they are presently out of the country. Due to their current location, they have asserted that it is impossible for them to attend any questioning sessions or submit to arrest at this time.
Chimombe and Mpofu’s statement to ZACC comes amidst mounting pressure and scrutiny over their involvement in the controversial tender process. According to sources, the two men are key suspects in the investigation, which has garnered significant public attention due to the large sum of money involved and the potential implications for electoral integrity in Zimbabwe.
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In their communication with ZACC, Chimombe and Mpofu emphasized that they are not evading the authorities but are merely unavailable due to their travels. They assured ZACC that they are willing to cooperate with the investigation once they return to the country. However, they did not provide a specific timeline for their return, leaving the commission in a state of uncertainty regarding the next steps in the investigation.
Below are the contents of the statement;
CHAMBERS FOR JUSTICE
8 Penally Close
Emerald Hill
Harare
Tel: +263 08644110553, 0242 332891, 0242 332933
+263 718405423
admin@dzveterolaw co zw
414
Attorneys, Conveyancers Advocates, Labour Consultants Patent & Trademark Agents, Arbitrators
Financial Advisory Services Commissioner of Oaths
IN REPLY PLEASE QUOTE
Our Ref TSTD/TMD/mm
Your Ref
17 June 2024
ANTONIO & DZVETERO LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Herbert Chitepo Avenue
Harare
Dear Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane
Re: Notification of Clients’ Availability for Interview
WIZ
COMMISSION
ANTI CORRUPTKN 17 JUN 2024
COMMISSIONER
TIME: 130 HRS,
PBAG 7783, CAUSEWAY HRE
We act for and on behalf of Messrs. Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe who have been made aware of press releases and/or advertisements in various media outlets, including print and electronic media, indicating your interest in interviewing them as part of an ongoing investigation.
Our clients are currently out of the country and will not be able to attend any interviews until their return to Zimbabwe, however, they are willing to co-operate fully with the investigations and are available to attend any requested interviews their return.
We kindly request that you notify us of any request you may have concerning this issue.
In the meantime, kindly take note of our undertaking that we will ensure our clients’ availability. Please feel free to contact us if you require any further information or clarification.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to facilitating our clients’ cooperation in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
ANTONIO & DZVETERO
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS
Partners:
Tapson ST Dzveter, LLB (Hons) UZ (Senior Partner) Tendero Mulero Dzveicro LLM (RUG) (NL) LLBS (Hons) (UZ) Managing Partner Consultant Felix Antonio BL, LLBS (Hons) (UZ) Retired Partner
The ZACC, tasked with probing corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials, is reportedly considering its options in light of this development. Some insiders suggest that the commission might seek international assistance to track the movements of Chimombe and Mpofu, while others believe that ZACC may focus on gathering further evidence and interviewing other suspects in the interim.
The ZEC tender scandal has sparked widespread debate and concern among the Zimbabwean public, with many calling for swift and decisive action against those involved. The delay in questioning Chimombe and Mpofu only adds to the frustration of citizens who are eager to see justice served.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on ZACC to see how the commission will navigate these challenges and pursue its mandate to combat corruption. The eventual return of Chimombe and Mpofu will undoubtedly be a critical moment in the ongoing investigation, potentially revealing more details about the scandal and leading to significant legal consequences for those implicated.
