Advocate Thabani Mpofu dismisses conflict of interest allegations

Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu has categorically dismissed allegations of a conflict of interest involving High Court judge Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa, describing claims made by an anonymous whistle-blower as "simply false."

The allegations, contained in a letter addressed to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and copied to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), suggested that Advocate Mpofu had a close professional relationship with Munangati-Manongwa and continued to receive instructions from Munangati and Associates, a law firm said to still be associated with the judge. The whistle-blower argued that such links created an uneven playing field for litigants unaware of the alleged connection.

In a detailed rebuttal, Advocate Mpofu refuted all claims. He said he had no involvement in the first two cases mentioned in the letter, was never briefed on them, and had never appeared before the judge or any judge in relation to those matters. "The names are completely foreign to me and have never been revealed even in my power naps," he added.

Regarding a third matter highlighted in the whistle-blower's letter, Mpofu clarified that he had been briefed by a completely different and well-established law firm, and that the litigant he represented had no connection to the case referenced in the letter. He also noted that the matter never proceeded as it was withdrawn.

Addressing suggestions of a personal link with fellow lawyer Webster Chikwanha, Mpofu dismissed the claims outright. "I do not know who Webster Chikwanha is… I have no friend by the name Webster. I have no friend by the name Chikwanha. No complaint has ever been raised against me which the Webster Chikwanha would have suppressed," he stated.

The whistle-blower had urged that Justice Munangati-Manongwa should not preside over any matters involving Advocate Mpofu and called on ZACC to investigate the claims. Cases cited included HC 2312/24 – Collin Zondai Makoni vs The State, HC 1518/24 - Thelma Chimbanga vs L Gono Enterprises, and HC 8108/24 - Blue Star Logistics vs Harare Motorways.

At the time of publication, neither ZACC, the JSC, nor Justice Munangati-Manongwa had issued a response, leaving Advocate Mpofu's statement as the strongest rebuttal to the allegations. The lawyer's response emphasizes his firm denial of any impropriety and underscores his position that the claims are unfounded.