Zimstats head arrested after buying Landcruiser f...

Zimstats head arrested after buying Landcruiser for US$300

Residents urged to co-operate with census officials | Suburban — **Taguma Muhonde**

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency director-general, Taguma Mahonde, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of gross corruption and corporate misconduct.

Mahonde reportedly secured a service car, a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at US$28,000 for just US$300 after just three years of service.

An official letter by the Central Mechanical Equipment Department managing director Davison Mhaka authorised the controversial purchase.

ZACC spokesperson Thandiwe Mlobane confirmed the arrest.

“Director General of Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Taguma Mahonde has been arrested by ZACC for fraud.

“Investigations are still ongoing,” she said.

Recently, Mahonde was also gifted a luxury Land Rover Discovery which was bought in 2021, leading to him owning two vehicles in five years against principles of good governance.

He also enjoyed lavish benefits whose funds he failed to produce invoices for as per standard practice in good governance.

Investigations also unearthed that Mahonde received school fees allowances in US dollars despite ZimStat employees earning their wages in the local currency.