Transparency International Zimbabwe threatens journalist over 'graft' stories

TRANSPARENCY International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has threatened to take legal action against a freelance journalist who recently raised corruption allegations against the organisation in his online publication and creating a storm on social media.

The journalist published stories on his website alleging corruption at TIZ claiming to have been employed as a communication consultant before his contract was terminated.

"The TIZ board notes with concerns the publication of malicious articles ostensibly aimed at 'exposing the rot' of corruption at the institution," TIZ said in a statement.

"The articles authored by Mr Byron Mutingwende make unsubstantiated allegations of corruption, cronyism, nepotism and other accusations only meant to deliberately damage the reputation of TIZ, its board, management and staff as well as its working partners."

The corruption watchdog described as defamatory and outright lies allegations put forward by the journalist.

TIZ also denied allegations that it funded social movements, #Tajamuka and #ThisFlag, saying its scope of work did not mandate the organisation to subgrant or fund other organisations.

However, Mutingwende said TIZ's intentions to sue him were baseless.

"I gave them time to respond and pursued all journalistic methods before publishing because I waited from February 28 to March 7," said Mutingwende.

"Jane Ncube [TIZ executive director] said she was on leave and needed time, but the thing is they had their own timeline to respond, which was different from mine."

TIZ also accused the journalist of harassing its former employers as part of his crusade.