Ex-NetOne boss nabbed for alleged corruption

by MARCUS MUSHONGA 
HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE’S anti-corruption agency has arrested a former chief executive officer at the state-owned mobile network operator for alleged criminal abuse of office.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is probing Reward Kangai, formerly an executive with NetOne, the country’s second largest mobile network.

Kangai’s arrest is part of a renewed crackdown against rampant corruption in the Southern African country.

Phyllis Chikundura, the anti-corruption spokesperson, was quoted as saying Kangai was detained at Avondale Police Station in the capital Harare.

“Kangai’s arrest is in connection with a forensic audit, which linked him to several underhand performances, including flagrant disregard of procedural airtime distribution, salary payment and tenders,” Chikundura was quoted as saying.

Among other allegations is the theft of US$11 million from NetOne through Firstel Cellular, a company Kanagi allegedly owned with other NetOne executives.

Firstel’s co-owners have been named as Lyndon Nkomo, Memory Moyo, and Godfrey Tarupuhwa.

It could not be ascertained if they also faced probes.

Kangai is among high-profile figures to be arrested in recent weeks on allegations of corruption. The crackdown has proven divisive with critics alleging it only targets a faction of the ruling party that was oppose to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the position.

After succeeding Robert Mugabe, ousted by the military in November, Mnangagwa has made fighting graft a priority.

– CAJ News