By Ndumiso Tshuma
Two high-ranking mining officials arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) last week have been denied bail for allegedly extorting money from a client to facilitate the issuance of a mining certificate.
According to ZACC, Junior Mudyawabikwa, Deputy Mining Director for Mashonaland West, and Robson Chinanayi, a former mining surveyor, were accused of demanding and receiving USD5 000 from an applicant in exchange for facilitating the issuance of a mining certificate.
The duo was denied bail by the Chinhoyi Anti-Corruption Court and remanded in custody until March 8, 2024.
“Deputy Mining Director for Mashonaland West, Junior Mudyawabikwa, and former mining surveyor Robson Chinanayi have been denied bail by the Chinhoyi Anti-Corruption Court. They were remanded to 8 March 2024. The two allegedly extorted USD5,000.00 from an applicant for a mining certificate,” ZACC said in a statement.
The arrest and remand of the two suspects come amid ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwean government to fight corruption within its ranks. ZACC has targeted various sectors, including government ministries, local authorities, and state-owned enterprises, in its anti-corruption drive.
