Ndakachibata Kuti Dzvii Scandal: Inside the US$40 Million ZEC Scandal – How Wicknell Chivayo Captured the System
Wicknell Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman, has been at the centre of a US$40 million scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). This scandal, dubbed “Ndakachibata Kuti Dzvii Scandal,” or just “Dzvii Scandal” also involves key figures such as South African company, Ren Form CC, businessman Mike Chimombe, and Moses Mpofu. The revelations have sparked outrage and significant media attention, highlighting issues of corruption and political influence.
Background
Wicknell Chivayo is a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur known for his ostentatious lifestyle and controversial business dealings. He rose to prominence through various government contracts, including a US$172 million solar project in Gwanda, which remains incomplete despite significant advance payments. Chivayo entered into a contract for the Gwanda Solar Project in 23 October 2015. ZPC paid US$5 million for pre-commencement works to Intratek but there was no meaningful progress resulting in the parties taking each to court. Chivayo ultimately triumped but has yet to make any meaning progress almost 10 years later.
Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe [Image Credit: Twitter/X – NewsHawks]
The US$40 Million ZEC Deal
Contract Award
In August 2023, Chivayo and his business associates secured a US$40 million contract to supply biometric voter registration kits and other electoral materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). This contract raised eyebrows due to Chivayo’s history of unfulfilled projects and allegations of corruption.
Alleged Corruption and Misappropriation
Leaked audio recordings revealed that Chivayo allegedly paid bribes to secure the ZEC contract. In the recordings, he boasted about his close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, claiming to have captured the President and the political system. He described how he distributed portions of a partial US$1 million payment received for the ZEC contract among various individuals, including:
- Scott Sakupwanya: US$350,000
- Wicknell Chivayo: US$150,000
- Moses Mpofu: US$150,000
- Mike Chimombe: US$150,000
- ZEC Chairperson Priscilla Chigumba: US$100,000
- CIO Director-General Isaac Moyo: US$100,000
Key Figures
Ren Form CC
Ren Form CC, a South African company, was involved in the ZEC deal. They partnered with Better Brands Security, owned by gold baron Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya. However, Sakupwanya later withdrew from the deal amid rising tensions and allegations of fraud.
Mike Chimombe
Mike Chimombe, a well-known socialite and businessman, was one of the beneficiaries of the ZEC deal’s proceeds. He received US$150,000 as part of the distributed funds but later expressed dissatisfaction with Chivayo’s management of the funds.
Moses Mpofu
Moses Mpofu, another key figure, received US$150,000. Like Chimombe, Mpofu was unhappy with how Chivayo handled the deal and payments. Both Chimombe and Mpofu have reportedly demanded further payments from Chivayo.
[Image Credit: Twitter/X – @wicknellchivayo]
Public and Political Reactions
Social Media Outrage
The leaked audio and allegations of corruption triggered a significant backlash on social media. Many Zimbabweans expressed their frustration with the endemic corruption within the government and the perceived impunity of individuals like Chivayo. Some notable reactions included:
- David Coltart: A prominent politician who called for urgent and thorough investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the police.
- General Public: Many users voiced their anger and disappointment, drawing parallels to other corruption scandals like the Gold Mafia scandal.
Government Response
Despite the public outcry, there has been little official response from the government. Critics argue that this silence indicates a deeper level of complicity and protection afforded to Chivayo by high-ranking officials.
ZACC Investigation
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) later announced an investigation into Chivayo, along with associates Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, following the explosive revelations. The probe focuses on the US$40 million election tender for the ZEC for the 2023 elections.
Lavish Spending Raises Red Flags
Chivayo’s extravagant lifestyle has come under scrutiny after his business partners accused him of money laundering and fraudulent activities. Moses Mpofu, in a letter to South African supplier Ren-Form executive Angus Carlaw, highlighted Chivayo’s lavish spending on cars, mansions, and designer clothes. Chivayo dismissed these allegations, branding his partners as “extortionists and illiterate briefcase businessmen.”
Investigations into Presidential Goat Scheme
ZACC’s investigation is not limited to the election tender. The Commission is also interested in the Presidential Goat Scheme mentioned in the leaked audios. In a press release, ZACC spokesperson Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane stated:
“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline, and transparency in the public and private sectors.”
Full Statement from ZACC
In a press release issued on June 16, 2024, ZACC stated:
“The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC/the Commission) has taken note of a letter purportedly written by Messrs Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe, to a South African-based company, REN-form, demanding payment and resolution of a contractual dispute.
“The Commission has also noted audios allegedly attributed to Mr. Wicknell Chivhayo. The letter and recordings raise issues related to money laundering and abuse of office that fall within the purview of the Commission. Consequently, ZACC will be interviewing Messrs. Mpofu, Chimombe, and Chivhayo to gather more information and gain clarity on the matters highlighted.
“The Commission is also keen to interview Messrs Mpofu and Chimombe on the Presidential Goats Scheme mentioned in one of the audios. The Commission reaffirms its commitment to curb corruption and promote honesty, financial discipline and transparency in the public and private sectors, in line with the mandate outlined in Section 255 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“The public is encouraged to report any instance of corruption and to support the Commission’s efforts in promoting a corruption-free Zimbabwe.”
Accusations and Counteraccusations
The scandal erupted when Mpofu and Chimombe wrote to Carlaw, complaining about Chivayo’s actions. The letter, along with leaked audios, highlighted allegations of money laundering, misuse of office, and the lavish lifestyle funded by the tender money. Chivayo’s defense was swift and vehement, accusing his former friends of ulterior motives and attempting to tarnish his reputation.
Public Reaction
The public has reacted with outrage and disbelief at the revelations. Social media has been ablaze with calls for a thorough investigation and justice. One user commented that it was unacceptable for such blatant corruption to occur while ordinary citizens suffer.
As ZACC delves deeper into the investigation, all eyes will be on the outcomes and potential ramifications for those involved. The Commission’s actions will be closely watched as a test of Zimbabwe’s resolve to fight corruption at the highest levels.
The “Ndakachibata Kuti Dzvii” scandal involving Wicknell Chivayo, Ren Form CC, Mike Chimombe, and Moses Mpofu underscores the pervasive corruption within Zimbabwe’s political and business spheres. As the scandal continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether there will be any significant repercussions for those involved or if this will be another case of impunity in Zimbabwe’s troubled history.
References
- Mnangagwa now under my firm grip: Wicknell Chivayo – The NewsHawks, Brenna Matendere, June 13, 2024.
- “Kingpins of murky US$40m ZEC deal emerge” – The NewsHawks, Owen Gagare, June 17, 2024
- “Ndakachibata Kuti Dzvii”: Wicknell Chivayo Brags About How He Has Captured President Mnangagwa – iHarare, Siyabonga Mpini, June 10, 2024.
- Second Explosive Leaked Wicknell Chivayo Audio Sets Social Media Ablaze – iHarare, Siyabonga Mpini, June 12, 2024.
- ZACC Launches Probe Into Wicknell Chivayo for Money Laundering Amid Explosive Leaked Audios – iHarare, Tim. E. Ndoro, June 16, 2024.
