ZACC swoops on VID officer to explain wealth

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) yesterday swooped on a senior Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) officer deployed to Beitbridge and ordered him to explain how he became a business tycoon owning seven houses, a lodge and seven vehicles across the country.

At the same time, he is forbidden to sell or dispose of the listed properties until he has presented an acceptable explanation.

Mr Knox Ozipatele Mutatabikwa, who is the second-in-charge at VID Beitbridge, says he has built up his business empire starting with the payouts he and his wife received from previous employers, and reinvesting the profits of his A2 tobacco farm.

He said he can fulfil the order within the time-limit and satisfy ZACC that his wealth is legitimate.

A team of nine officers from ZACC visited Mr Mutatabikwa and served him with a High Court order compelling him and his wife Mrs Maonei Memory Mutatabikwa to explain the source of wealth that allowed them to create an empire of seven houses worth more than US$1,3 million, a lodge worth US$400 000 and seven vehicles worth around US$220 000.

Mr Mutatabikwa who owns Mutsa Lodge situated at Khwalu 1 suburb, has 15 days to respond to ZACC with the proof of funds and proof of acquisition.

According to the High Court Order dated 23 December 2023 and signed by High Court Judge Justice Chikowero, the Mutatabikwas must furnish ZACC with all the details about the acquisition of the property and provide supporting documents.

In terms of the detailed order the two have to each give a sworn statement to the head of ZACC Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Unit at 1872 Betterment Close, Mount Pleasant Business Park Harare within 15 days of being served with the order, and explaining how they obtained 13 listed properties, and in particular how they paid for the assets, and producing all supporting documents and receipts showing proof of legitimate business and source of income for the acquisition of the property.

Some of the listed properties include houses on stand number 8622, Khwalu 1 suburb worth US$150 000 and stand 38990 Dulilvhadzimu worth US$90 000. The couple owns stand 2501 in Dulilvhadzimu Beitbridge and stand 5609 in Norton each worth US$150 000.

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