In a shocking revelation, a leaked audio recording has implicated controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo in a major scandal involving looted election funds from BetterBrands Security. The company, owned by Acott Sakupwaya and fronted by Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, is at the center of the controversy.
The audio, verified by ZimEye on Sunday, captures Chivayo in a conversation with Sakupwaya and Chimombe, where he is heard attempting to appease the two businessmen by claiming he would have paid them USD 10 million each if they had not raised complaints. Chivayo also boasts of having direct access to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, asserting that his influence surpasses that of the President’s two deputies.
In the same clip, Chivayo outlines his plans to form a team aimed at securing ministry tenders, which he intends to exploit through advance payments. This statement hints at a broader scheme of financial misconduct within government tenders.
When contacted by Simba Chikanza on Sunday evening, Chivayo attempted to dismiss the audio as “fake news,” but he did not address a detailed 64-page document that outlines how he misappropriated over USD 40 million intended for election materials that were never his, but were for Scott Sakupwanya’s company.
A section of the 64 page bundle reads:
“We urge you to consider the repercussions of your actions carefully. Your continued Involvement in these fraudulent activities will not only damage your reputation but also put your company at significant risk of legal repercussions. We are giving you 7 days to provide us with a workable solution so that we can recover the money owed to us. Failure to comply will force us to take necessary steps to bring this matter to the attention of all relevant authorities, including all news outlets.
We could have gone through our lawyers and sought relief from the court, but we prefer not to air our dirty laundry in public.
We hope to resolve this amicably.