Report Chivayo to police, says Mnangagwa as he denies dirty deals with businessman
By Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has contemptuously dismissed wide talk he was using controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo as a “front” for clandestine deals aimed at amassing personal wealth.
Mnangagwa was speaking at State House on Monday during a rare interface with State media journalists.
Asked if Chivayo was his “front”, Mnangagwa jokingly patted himself and quipped, “Ah my front. Do you see him? I don’t see him.”
Chivayo, believed to be sourcing his infinite wealth through lucrative tenders gaily parcelled out to him by the government, has been dolling out expensive vehicles and cash to Zimbabwean celebrities and some known Zanu PF loyalists.
The larger-than-life businessman has also been seen hobnobbing with the President at a lot of high profile events, raising suspicion he could be a “front” pursuing clandestine deals on behalf of the national leader.
Mnangagwa denied he was the mystery enabler behind Chivayo’s boundless wealth.
“So find out first where you I get the money to give Chivayo to give to people rather than wasting my time about somebody using his money. So you can’t bother me about somebody who is philanthropic,” he added.
Mnangagwa also said if Chivayo was indeed a criminal as he was being portrayed, he would have instructed the police to take action.
He called on anyone who has been robbed by Chivayo to report the matter to the police.
“Deno anga achiba kuda taituma mapurisa. Kana kune anenge abirwa please report.” he said.
