Chihuri inquiry postponed

THE HIGH Court has postponed to March 9 the inquiry into alleged abuse of office by former Police boss, Augustine Chihuri, who is accused of siphoning US$32 million.

Chihuri is said to have siphoned the money through the Police Revolving Fund, with the help of a “criminal syndicate mafia.”

The former Police Commissioner-General is suspected to have diverted the public funds into his family business empire before selling five properties, between 2017 and 2018, when he left the country.

Prosecutor General, Kumbirai Hodzi, obtained an order compelling Chihuri to explain how he acquired the wealth.

PG Hodzi also filed a fresh application, seeking another explanation of how Chihuri sold five properties, when he was under investigation.

Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled that the matters be consolidated and be dealt with at once.

Some of the allegations include how Chihuri’s wife Isobel, who was the managing director of Mastaw Investments, received US$3 823 285 from ZRP General Headquarters. Rewstand Enterprises also received US$10 401 500 from the ZRP under the same false pretence.

Nodpack Investments (Pvt) Ltd, of Bure Close in Strathaven, Harare, whose directorship includes Clever Nziramasanga, and had Isobel as its general manager, allegedly received US$5 766 252.31, from the police.

Police investigations showed that some of the addresses used were residential properties including one belonging to Mrs Marange, who said she did not know Nodpack, raising strong suspicion the address was fake.

Croxile Investments (Pvt) Ltd of 8 St Aubins Walk in Chisipite received US$1 892 040 from the police.

Vanessa Madalisto Banda was listed as director while Isobel was the general manager.

ZRP also released US$10 575 732 to Adamah Enterprises Pvt Ltd, of 29 Carsberg Avenue in Alexandra Park, Harare.

The matter is pending and will be heard in the Anti-Corruption Court.