Lawyers for businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have notified the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) that their clients are currently out of the country and hence unable to show themselves for an inquiry into suspected money laundering and abuse of office.
The charges derive from a contract disagreement with Wicknell Chivayo regarding the provision of electoral materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Chimombe, Mpofu, and Chivayo had been invited by ZACC for questioning as part of an inquiry into alleged money laundering and abuse of office.
In a letter dated May 17 and delivered to ZACC, the duo’s attorneys, Antonio and Dzvetero Legal Practitioners, stated that Chimombe and Mpofu were temporarily out of the country but promised to fully assist with investigations once they returned.
“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 desire to interview them as part of an ongoing investigation.”
“Our clients are currently out of the country and will be unable to attend interviews until they return to Zimbabwe.” However, they are eager to fully comply with the investigations and are available to attend any necessary interviews when they return,” according to a portion of the letter.
Commissioner Thandiwe Mlobane, a ZACC spokeswoman, confirmed receipt of a letter from Chimombe and Mpofu yesterday but declined to comment further on the facts of the Chivayo probe.
“ZACC appreciates the attention in this topic. However, we must allow due process to run its course.
“While we appreciate public interest in the matter, we risk jeopardising investigations when we comment on every step of the process,” Mlobane, the commissioner, said.
The anti-graft group had invited Chimombe, Mpofu, and Chivayo to be interviewed as part of an inquiry into alleged money laundering and misuse of office.
