NetOne Group Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Learnmore Masunda,  dismissed allegations linking him to the recent arrest of Group CEO, Mr. Raphael Mushanawani, ahead of the latter’s expected contract renewal in November. Masunda denied having any ambitions to take over the CEO position, describing the claims as baseless and malicious.

Speaking on the matter, Masunda said he was shocked to see his name dragged into the controversy, insisting that he only learned of the allegations through the media. He emphasized that his primary responsibility as Chief Commercial Officer is to support the Group CEO and help the company deliver dividends to its shareholder, not to pursue internal power struggles. He described the accusations as “nothing but sideshows from detractors” who seek to sow division within the organization.

Masunda, along with other senior executives such as Chief Technology Officer Mr. Chris Muchechemera and Chief Finance Officer Mr. Nyasha Nyambuya, was reportedly implicated in the circumstances surrounding CEO Mushanawani’s arrest. Observers speculated that with the company’s Head of Legal, Mrs. P. Chikutu, away, Masunda might naturally step in to lead the organization , a notion he firmly rejected.

He acknowledged that there were internal investigations underway but maintained that he had no involvement in any wrongdoing. “I have no hidden hand in the process and am only being implicated by those who do not wish me well,” he stated.

According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Mushanawani is accused of authorizing contracts worth US$1.2 million for system upgrades that were allegedly due for replacement. However, available documentation indicates that only US$272,000 was actually disbursed, and that all procedures followed established procurement guidelines. Insiders at NetOne have further clarified that the SAGE 1000 system upgrades in question were routine operational expenses rather than fraudulent deals.

Despite these clarifications, reports suggest that an internal probe is also examining other senior officials, including Masunda and the company’s Procurement Chief, Mr. Chidzodzo. Masunda claims that a coordinated smear campaign has been launched to destroy his reputation, citing what he described as “vexatious claims designed to assassinate my character.”

Among the allegations circulating against Masunda are claims of irregularities in the disposal of company vehicles, unauthorized stock adjustments totaling nearly US$10 million annually, multiple accusations of sexual harassment, and even allegations that he once brought a firearm to work to intimidate staff. Additionally, Mr. Chidzodzo has been implicated in the alleged disappearance of 17 Samsung Z Fold smartphones and issues surrounding vehicle allocations.

Meanwhile, Engineer Mawurukira, who chairs the NetOne board, is said to have recently intervened to stop questionable discount waivers and financial practices worth an estimated US$20 million per year within Masunda’s division.

Masunda, however, continues to insist that all these claims are unfounded and part of a deliberate effort to discredit him. He maintains that he has not engaged in any criminal activity and remains committed to his duties.

CEO Mushanawani has since returned to work, urging all employees to put the controversy behind them and refocus on the company’s objectives, with an urgent executive committee meeting scheduled for today