Masunda not eyeing NetOne CEO position

NetOne Cellular Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Learnmore Masunda has denied allegations linking him to the arrest of the company's Chief Executive Officer, Raphael Mushanawani, amid growing internal turmoil over the firm's top leadership position.

Speaking to TechnoMag, Masunda dismissed claims that he orchestrated Mushanawani's arrest to influence succession ahead of the CEO's expected contract renewal next month. He said he had no interest in assuming the chief executive role and was focused on fulfilling his duties as CCO.

"I have never harboured such ambitions and have no need to cause the arrest of my CEO. My main responsibilities as the Chief Commercial Officer are to support the Group CEO for the company to pay out dividends to the shareholder. This is the task ahead of me, and the rest is just nothing but sideshows from our detractors," Masunda said.

Masunda, alongside Chief Technology Officer Chris Muchechemera and Chief Finance Officer Nyasha Nyambuya, has been implicated in Mushanawani's arrest and the subsequent fallout. Insiders claim Masunda was considered the most likely successor to Mushanawani, though he insists he is not interested in the position.

He confirmed that internal investigations were underway to establish the facts surrounding the controversy but maintained his innocence, saying those linking him to the CEO's arrest were driven by malice.

Mushanawani was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of US$1.2 million fraud involving a system upgrade from SAGE 1000 to SAGE L200. However, documents reportedly show that only US$272,000 was used for the project, with full board and management approval.

Masunda described the accusations against him as part of a coordinated smear campaign. "I have also witnessed a choreographed smear campaign against my persona stating vexatious claims to tarnish my integrity while deliberately assassinating my character," he said.

A corruption dossier circulating within the company accuses Masunda of irregularities in vehicle disposal, unauthorised stock adjustments amounting to nearly US$10 million annually, multiple sexual harassment allegations, and allegedly bringing a firearm onto company premises to intimidate employees.

Also named in the internal reports is head of procurement Bornface Chidzodzo, who is accused of involvement in the disappearance of 17 Samsung Z Fold devices and irregular vehicle disbursements. NetOne board chair Taurayi Maurikira is said to have recently blocked questionable discount waivers and financial practices estimated to cost the company more than US$20 million annually.

Masunda has rejected all allegations, calling them baseless and intended to destroy his reputation.

Insiders say the ongoing feud between Mushanawani and Masunda has created deep divisions within NetOne's top management. Following his release on bail, Mushanawani has since returned to work and urged executives to refocus on their duties, with an urgent executive committee meeting scheduled for today.