Beitbridge Couple Ordered to Explain Million-Dollar Wealth to Anti-Corruption Body

Beitbridge, Zimbabwe: A Beitbridge couple, Ozipatele and Maonei Mtatabikwa, have been ordered by the High Court to explain the source of their wealth, estimated to be close to two million USD. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) obtained an Unexplained Wealth Order against the pair, who are both employed as civil servants in the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID).

Justice Benjamin Chikowero granted the order following an application by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on ZACC’s behalf. The couple is required to explain to ZACC how they acquired five vehicles and eight properties spread across Beitbridge and Norton, with an estimated combined value exceeding USD$1.9 million.

The court order prohibits the Mtatabikwas or their agents from disposing of any of the listed assets until the investigation is concluded.

This development comes amidst heightened efforts by ZACC to combat corruption in Zimbabwe. The organisation has come under public scrutiny in recent months for its perceived lack of effectiveness in tackling high-level graft.

The Mtatabikwas case has garnered significant attention due to the substantial value of their assets and their relatively modest government salaries. 

While they have not been charged with any crime, the court order compels them to disclose the origins of their wealth, potentially leading to further action if inconsistencies or evidence of wrongdoing are found.

The case is expected to be closely monitored by the public and anti-corruption advocates, serving as a potential bellwether for ZACC’s effectiveness in tackling perceived ill-gotten wealth in Zimbabwean.