TIMB corruption probe escalates, implicating Masuk...

TIMB corruption probe escalates, implicating Masuka's family

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

The corruption scandal surrounding the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board has intensified, with board chairman Patrick Devenish and former chief executive officer Meanwell Gudu facing mounting allegations of fraud and abuse of office, ZimNow can reveal.

This publication understands that last week, Devenish, who is also a board chairman of First Capital bank, and Gudu were summoned twice by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in connection with a US$397,739 loan facility extended to Ultimate Accolade, a company owned by Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka's son, Itayi.

The loan, allegedly approved without the knowledge of other TIMB board members, has sparked concerns of favouritism and corruption. TIMB's acting CEO, Emmanuel Matsvaire, brought the matter to light, prompting an investigation.

A source close to the development said the probe is facing a major obstacle due to the involvement of Minister Masuka, whose son, Itayi, is allegedly linked to the scandal through his company, Ultimate Accolade. The connection reportedly raised concerns about potential favouritism and corruption.

ZACC communications officer Simiso Mlevu declined to comment.

Despite being suspended by the Ministry of Agriculture, Devenish has resumed work, sparking concerns about the institution's design and governance.

The development comes as TIMB is accused of quietly reversing reforms implemented after last year's corruption scandals that led to the arrest of dozens of officials.

The situation is further complicated by Masuka's close relationship with President Emmerson Mnangagwa making it challenging for investigators to navigate.

The Minister is believed to be one of Mnangagwa's trusted officials. He has a strong military and academic background. Masuka has been in the agricultural sector for many years.

He was appointed as the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement in August 2020, following the death of his predecessor, Perrance Shiri.

He was named Mnangagwa's top Cabinet Minister two years in a row, in 2022 and 2023.

"Indeed, they (Devenish and Gudu) were summoned by ZACC on Monday and Friday last week. It seems the biggest hurdle the investigators are facing is the involvement of the Minister. It's not going to be easy because, you know, Masuka is the President's trusted boy," the source stated.

Devenish and Gudu were arrested in August and charged with fraud and criminal abuse of office. They were granted bail but remain in court facing charges related to the loan.

Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, recently tried in vain to clear Ultimate Accolade of any wrongdoing in the loan deal. However, this has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.

TIMB Company Secretary Tariro Chitsunge and CFO Willard Zidyambanje are also facing charges related to separate corruption allegations.

In an telephone interview with this publication, Devenish refused to discuss the matter, saying it was prejudice.

"I am not allowed to discuss this as the matter is still before the courts, Regards, Pat," he said.

According to the state, the loan, extended in May 2021, was reportedly misrepresented as part of the tobacco inputs credit scheme funded by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, despite the scheme having been discontinued.

Devenish and Gudu allegedly generated two contract agreements and instructed the special projects manager to sign them on Gudu's behalf, despite Gudu being out of office at the time. The loan was never recovered, and the board only became aware of it late last year.

Consequently, TIMB has so far lost US$539 000 with interest.

This publication understands that the accused top TIMB officials are currently applying for refusal of further remand.