SA’S Hawks give Zimbabwe poll scandal ‘top priority’

South Africa’s top crime investigation unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), is giving “top priority” to a multimillion-dollar scandal linked to Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections, after receiving a report from the country’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) — an elite agency that released a shocking investigation in October.

In the report to Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), FIC said: “The purpose of the financial intelligence report is to alert the FIU of the Republic of Zimbabwe of possible acts of money laundering perpetrated by…ren Form CC and Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo”.

The case revolves around payments exceeding R800 million made by South African printing company Ren-form CC to firms that FIC alleges are associated with Chivayo, a rich convict known for dishing out free cars to celebrities and other influential people in Zimbabwe. The transactions have raised alarm in both countries.

FIC also alleged Zimbabwe’s Treasury paid R1,1 billion to Ren-form, which was contracted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) to supply materials for the 2023 polls. According to FIC, Ren-form CC then funnelled the R800 million to companies it alleges are under Chivayo’s control.

Chivayo did not respond to the Zimbabwe Independent’s questions this week. After flagging the suspicious payments, FIC notified Zimbabwe’s FIU and the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (Zacc). In South Africa, it also alerted the revenue authority and police.

Thandi Mbambo, national spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed the matter was being handled urgently.

“The DPCI in Gauteng received the report from FIC, and the matter is receiving the necessary attention,” Mbambo said.

“Our investigation will determine which agencies or countries to collaborate with. We do not comment on ongoing investigations.”

The Hawks, formally known as the Scorpions, are a special agency that probes high profile commercial crimes in South Africa. Zimbabwean authorities have not issued an official response.

When approached by the Independent last week, Treasury secretary George Guvamatanga referred questions to Zec.

“May you contact Zec, who are the contracting agency,” he said.

Zec spokesperson Rodney Kiwa had not responded to queries from the Independent on how Ren-form was selected. Zimbabwe FIU director-general Oliver Chiperesa declined to comment, citing legal constraints.

“Please be advised that all intelligence shared between FIUS is protected from disclosure under domestic and international law,” he said. “Disclosures can only be made to law enforcement agencies.”

In responses emailed to the Independent, the South African Revenue Service and the FIC said the probe could not be discussed in the press. Zacc spokesperson Simiso Mlevu also did not respond.

Ren-form’s accounts were closely examined by the FIC before the report was handed to Zimbabwean and South African authorities. The South African company was contracted to provide polling materials such as ballot papers, biometric kits, a central server, indelible ink, tents, and even non-flushing toilets for the polls.

As South African authorities ramped up investigations, civic groups and analysts in Zimbabwe demanded immediate action.

Political analyst Gideon Chitanga said if the allegations were true, they may expose a far-reaching money laundering scam.

“This is serious — a potential case of high-level corruption and money laundering that impacts the financial systems of both countries,” Chitanga said. “It implicates banks in Zimbabwe and South Africa and raises questions about their possible role in enabling illicit flows. Zimbabwe’s government must investigate or publicly refute the claims to assure citizens — and the world — that nothing criminal occurred.”

He added that government’s silence only fuels suspicion.

“The lack of a formal response is disturbing. Given the seriousness of the allegations, authorities should either confirm that investigations are underway or address the issue publicly,” he said. “That would be the responsible first step.”

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition director Blessing Vava said the lack of action suggests some individuals may be protected.

“This is an extremely serious issue. The Reserve Bank, Zacc, and the government must act swiftly. Failure to respond implies that there are untouchables involved,” Vava said. “Statements from Zec suggest this has become a political hot potato — one no one wants to handle. The silence from other state bodies is telling. Any credible law enforcement agency or central bank would have responded by now.”

John Maketo, projects manager at the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development, added that how the case is handled will reflect the country’s governance standards.

“All citizens should be equal before the law. Each case like this is a piece of a larger puzzle, and how it’s dealt with speaks volumes about public finance management in Zimbabwe,” Maketo said.

Recently, Kiwa asked journalists to stop asking about the controversial Chivayo-linked tender.

“We won’t issue a press statement on an issue that has nothing to do with us,” he said. “What would we say? We are not getting involved in matters that don’t concern us. I beg you — drop this issue. If you press on, I won’t respond.” Zimbabwe Independent