Mutodi Fired as Budget Committee Chair Over False Bribery Allegations

HARARE — Zimbabwe’s Parliament has dismissed Bikita South legislator Dr. Energy Mutodi from his role as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion following controversial and unverified claims made on social media.

Mutodi alleged via his X account (formerly Twitter) that Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga solicited bribes from contractors, including Bitumen World (Private) Limited, in exchange for authorizing payments. The accusations, however, were not backed by evidence or presented through formal parliamentary channels, prompting swift disciplinary action.

According to parliamentary sources, Mutodi’s removal was based on findings that he breached procedural norms by airing serious allegations without first engaging the committee or submitting proof.

Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda confirmed the decision in a letter dated Oct. 7, 2025, stating that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) had resolved to terminate Mutodi’s tenure with immediate effect.

“This serves to notify you that pursuant to Standing Order No. 19 of the National Assembly, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders has resolved to terminate your tenure… with immediate effect,” Mudenda wrote.

“Consequently, all benefits and entitlements attendant upon the said role shall likewise be discontinued forthwith.”

The letter was also copied to Government Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi and Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda. Mutodi has yet to publicly respond to his dismissal.

Bitumen World, one of the companies named in Mutodi’s posts, issued a statement on Oct. 8 firmly denying the allegations. The company distanced itself from the claims, asserting that it had never received any solicitations from Guvamatanga.

“Bitumen World (Private) Limited trading as ‘Bitumen’ would like to dissociate itself from the post made by Dr. Energy Mutodi… We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr. George Guvamatanga,” the company said.

Chief Executive Andre Zietsman reiterated Bitumen World’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development, emphasizing its ongoing collaboration with government agencies to deliver sustainable road projects.

Mutodi’s removal underscores Parliament’s stance on upholding procedural integrity and combating misinformation, particularly when it involves public officials and state contracts.