The Supreme Court has delivered a scathing judgment against the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), vindicating former Gokwe Nembudziya MP, Justice Mayor Wadyajena.
In a ruling last Friday, the court dismissed ZACC’s appeal, affirming the High Court’s finding that ZACC acted illegally by unlawfully detaining Wadyajena’s extensive properties.
The legal battle began two years ago when ZACC seized Wadyajena’s assets, including 25 trucks, a Lamborghini Urus, and a BMW X6M, alleging they were proceeds of embezzlement from The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO).
However, the case collapsed due to lack of evidence, yet ZACC continued to hold onto Wadyajena’s assets, citing separate investigations.
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The Supreme Court’s order declared ZACC’s actions unlawful, forcing the commission to admit it had “no case” against Wadyajena.
In 2022, Wadyajena and five others were arrested on charges related to a USD 5 million transaction involving bale ties. ZACC claimed they defrauded COTTCO by setting up a shell organization and misappropriating funds, which allegedly funded Wadyajena’s vehicle purchases. However, documents revealed COTTCO received the bale ties, undermining ZACC’s claims.
Political motives were suspected, especially given the timing before Zanu-PF elections. Former ZACC commissioner John Makamure, awaiting prosecution, was implicated in political conflicts, further complicating the case’s integrity.
Critics have questioned ZACC’s integrity, citing a history of premature arrests and political interference. With new leadership under Michael Reza, expectations are high for reforms to restore public trust and rectify past missteps.
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