Netone inflated payments to Powertel

Scandal-ridden mobile phone operator Netone inflated payments to state owned internet provider Powertel by over $1 mln for leased circuits and bandwidth.

The irregular payments affected Netone cash flow position contributing to the company's financial turmoil.

This is revealed in an audit report on Netone titled provision of comprehensive forensic investigation services to Netone cellular services compiled by price water coopers Zimbabwe on behalf of the auditors general.

Netone CEO Reward Kangai was sent on forced leave in march after the company's board sanctioned a forensic audit into the affairs of the country's second targets mobile phone operator.

According to the forensic report Netone had invalid supporting documentation for leased circuits for the $1 650 0000 paid to Powertel.