ZACC clears Chivayo

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has reportedly closed its investigation into alleged corruption surrounding a US$100 million tender to supply election materials for the 2023 polls - after witnesses failed to produce evidence of a contractual relationship between controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). 

The tender, awarded to South African firm Ren‑Form CC, had drawn intense scrutiny after reports emerged of dramatic price inflation and suspicious financial flows. According to a forensic analysis by South Africa's Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), Ren-Form was paid more than R1.1 billion by Zimbabwe's Treasury, of which over R800 million was allegedly channeled into companies linked to Chivayo. 

At the height of the scandal, ZACC chairperson Michael Reza vowed to pursue those involved, declaring there were "no sacred cows" in the fight against corruption. ZACC summoned Chivayo and his business associates - including Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu - for interviews over money-laundering and abuse-of-office allegations. 

Despite initial promises, the closure of the investigation marks a significant reversal. Legal experts familiar with the matter say the decision stems from the commission's difficulty linking Chivayo directly to any signed procurement contract - Ren-Form held the formal agreement with ZEC, and no document was found naming him as contractor or intermediary. 

Observers and anti-corruption activists have reacted with concern. The scandal had drawn calls for deeper institutional accountability, and some critics argue that the closure may reflect institutional weaknesses or political interference given Chivayo's known networks within the ruling elite. 

At the same time, the matter has not disappeared entirely from public view. South African authorities continue to examine financial irregularities linked to Ren-Form and Chivayo, and civil society groups have petitioned Zimbabwe's parliament to exercise its oversight role over public funds. 

With the ZACC investigation concluded - and no prosecutions publicly announced - many Zimbabweans remain sceptical that justice has been served, underscoring persistent concerns over accountability and transparency in electoral procurement.