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Mutodi claims Guvamatanga getting kickbacks
2 hrs ago |
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Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Chairperson Energy Mutodi has made explosive claims that Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga is allegedly demanding kickbacks of up to US$200,000 from government contractors to facilitate payments.
Mutodi told Parliament that complaints have been lodged regarding Guvamatanga's management of treasury disbursements, alleging that he requires 5% to 10% of every payment processed by the Treasury across ministries and departments. According to the MP, Guvamatanga's wealth now exceeds US$1 billion, including several mansions and a herd of 5,000 dairy cattle.
"The Parliament of Zimbabwe has received agonising reports that Guvamatanga is receiving 5%-10% for every payment done by the Treasury. GG as he is notoriously called has accumulated more than US$1 billion, becoming the richest civil servant," Mutodi said.
He further claimed that ministries and contractors who refuse to pay the alleged kickbacks are denied funds even when budgeted. "Over the past six months, Parliament itself has struggled after being denied its budgeted funds by George Guvamatanga. A civil servant earning less than $1,000 has amassed over 5,000 dairy cattle, dairy equipment, and several mansions, hence the proposed lifestyle audit," he added.
Mutodi cited a case involving a contractor, Bitumen, which was allegedly asked to pay US$200,000 for every US$2 million weekly payment authorised by Guvamatanga. The MP also referenced previous accusations linking Guvamatanga to bribes from controversial businessman Wicknel Chivayo for approving payments to Ren-Form CC, a South African company supplying voting materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission at inflated costs.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly reinstated Guvamatanga in June after an earlier dismissal, allowing him to continue in his role, which he has held since 2018.
Mutodi claimed that Guvamatanga has also threatened him, warning that a "terror team" could be deployed if Parliament pursued a lifestyle audit or requested an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
The allegations, if proven, could have far-reaching implications for transparency and accountability within Zimbabwe's finance ministry.
Mutodi told Parliament that complaints have been lodged regarding Guvamatanga's management of treasury disbursements, alleging that he requires 5% to 10% of every payment processed by the Treasury across ministries and departments. According to the MP, Guvamatanga's wealth now exceeds US$1 billion, including several mansions and a herd of 5,000 dairy cattle.
"The Parliament of Zimbabwe has received agonising reports that Guvamatanga is receiving 5%-10% for every payment done by the Treasury. GG as he is notoriously called has accumulated more than US$1 billion, becoming the richest civil servant," Mutodi said.
He further claimed that ministries and contractors who refuse to pay the alleged kickbacks are denied funds even when budgeted. "Over the past six months, Parliament itself has struggled after being denied its budgeted funds by George Guvamatanga. A civil servant earning less than $1,000 has amassed over 5,000 dairy cattle, dairy equipment, and several mansions, hence the proposed lifestyle audit," he added.
Mutodi cited a case involving a contractor, Bitumen, which was allegedly asked to pay US$200,000 for every US$2 million weekly payment authorised by Guvamatanga. The MP also referenced previous accusations linking Guvamatanga to bribes from controversial businessman Wicknel Chivayo for approving payments to Ren-Form CC, a South African company supplying voting materials to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission at inflated costs.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly reinstated Guvamatanga in June after an earlier dismissal, allowing him to continue in his role, which he has held since 2018.
Mutodi claimed that Guvamatanga has also threatened him, warning that a "terror team" could be deployed if Parliament pursued a lifestyle audit or requested an investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
The allegations, if proven, could have far-reaching implications for transparency and accountability within Zimbabwe's finance ministry.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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