Mugabe's nephew faces more charges

Mugabe's nephew faces more charges

Phillip Chiyangwa, MP and Zimbabwe businessman

MORE CHARGES: CHIYANGWA

• Plot to kill Chiyangwa, claim

• Chiyangwa arrested

• Msika warns Chiyangwa

• Chiyangwa threatens cop in court

• Chiyangwa implicated in ENG scandal

• Zanu PF bids to oust Msika

• ENG directors charged with fraud

• Banks face collapse

• End of era for forex dealers

• Gono new RBZ governor

• Tea boy to national purse

By Staff Reporter
07/02/04
CHINHOYI legislator and businessman Phillip Chiyangwa faces more charges after police quizzed him over fresh claims that he misused $36 million meant for public works in Mashonaland West province.

Chiyangwa’s four-hour detention came as he was making a routine report at Harare’s Central Police Station Friday morning as part of his bail conditions on unrelated charges of perjury, attempt to defeat the course of justice and contempt of court.

Chiyangwa’s lawyer Lloyd Mhishi of Dube, Manikai and Hwacha and Partners admitted that police were keen to charge Chiyangwa on a new case, but declined to answer further questions.

Chiyangwa glibly said: "I had just gone there for my routine reporting. There is no case.”

The flamboyant business showman took over a court room last month when summoned to explain his interest in a US$61m fraud scandal involving two young managers of a capital asset management firm.

In keeping with his elegant style, Chiyangwa sped to court in his expensive metallic grey BMW saloon and was clad in a black suit, tartan shirt and maroon tie. He carried a black leather handbag.

When court proceedings began, Chiyangwa had the public gallery in stitches. He constantly referred to the prosecutor as a “young man”, prompting the magistrate to intervene.

"The courts do not operate that way," said magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe. "He is a chief law officer in the Attorney-General's office…a very top lawyer for the government."

But a defiant Chiyangwa interjected: "He is my young man. I was his chairman in the anti-corruption task force, where he was a chief lawyer. I do not want him to ask me unnecessary questions.”

When asked about police claims that he held onto two cars which were needed as evidence in the fraud case and hid them in his house, Chiyangwa lost it, firing a broadside at the police before sending a chilling warning.

"As for the excited policeman, who brought up these allegations, I will deal with him at some stage," railed Chiyangwa, a member of the notorious black empowerment organisation – the Affirmative Action Group.
He refused to withdraw his threat when asked to do so by the magistrate.

In the latest corruption allegation, it is claimed that Chiyangwa received $36 million, part of a $60 million fund for public works in Mashonaland West province where Chiyangwa is the ruling Zanu PF chairman.

He is said to have instructed the Chinhoyi council to release the money, before issuing two cheques amounting to $12 million to a senior council official and a Zanu PF youth leader in the province.

Observers say the latest developments prove beyond doubt that Zimbabwe’s law enforcements agents are definitely out to get the young businessman who for long periods has been protected by his association with the ruling Zanu PF party. He is also President Mugabe’s nephew.

Recently, the state-owned Herald newspaper claimed there was a plot to discredit Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono by some Harare businessmen concerned about his clean-up in the financial sector.

The paper claimed a fund had been set up “to cause his downfall” by “powerful politicians and businessmen” unhappy with recent financial sector reforms which led to the arrest of ENG Asset Management directors on US$61m fraud, and consequently that of Chiyangwa who reportedly owns about 40 percent shares in the firm.

The Herald claimed: “A number of secretive meetings are reportedly being held to map out ways of smearing Dr Gono by the businessmen and politicians who feel the governor is frustrating their illegal businesses and political careers.”

Last week we reported an alleged plot to kill Chiyangwa. A man was arrested by the police, although no charges have been filed. Chiyangwa claims his arrest is political, and that his opponents are trying to prevent him from joining the race to replace President Mugabe when he finally goes.
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