ZEC breaks silence on links to Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu amid ZACC corruption probe

ZEC breaks silence on links to Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu amid ZACC corruption probe

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has responded to reports that it submitted bids 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 assets and money laundering. The investigation was launched following a contractual dispute between the three trios over the supply of election materials to the ZEC.

Also Read: Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Associates Linked to $9 Million ZEC Toilet Door Corruption Scandal

New allegations against controversial trio emerge

According to a report from ZimLive, a South African company linked to businessmen received $9 million for portable toilets and vests just six days before the election. The toilets, reportedly priced at $3,800 each, were delivered eight months late, despite retailing for around $300 in South Africa. Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga reportedly approved the payment on September 7, two weeks after the elections.

Also read: Shock as SA company linked to Wicknell Chivayo charges ZEC US$1.2 million for HP server worth US$4,000.

ZEC denies any commercial relationship with Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu

On Friday evening, ZEC issued a statement saying it had no business relationship with Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu.

“We have noted with great concern the social media posts and rumors circulating online, which are causing public concern and discouragement, and we wish to officially state that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has not no contracts and did not purchase any election materials from or through any individuals mentioned in the reports,” the statement read.

ZEC stressed that all materials for the 2023 harmonized elections were procured in strict accordance with procurement regulations, ensuring thorough monitoring throughout the tender processes. The commission challenged the accusers to present concrete evidence of any deal with Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu.

Also read: From goats to trash: Moses Mpofu faces new €450,000 fraud allegation amid ongoing ZACC investigation

Harmonized 2023 electoral materials delivered on time

ZEC disputed the figures reported in the media, saying the actual costs were significantly lower and that all election materials were delivered on time.

“We also want to publicly state that the actual amounts used for the purchase of all election materials were much lower than the figures maliciously circulated on social media. All electoral materials purchased during the 2023 harmonized elections were delivered on time,” the statement said.

The Commission further confirmed with the supplier that there was no contract involving Chivayo, Chimombe and Mpofu. ZEC clarified that no third parties were involved in its procurement processes.

“Any statement suggesting a contractual link between the ZEC and these individuals for the provision of the 2023 harmonized electoral materials is inaccurate, misleading and malicious and must therefore be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. The Commission assures all its stakeholders that all public procurement has been carried out impeccably,” the press release concludes.