Temba Mliswa: ZACC Toyota Hilux Seizure Leads To Bribery Allegations

• Former MP Temba Mliswa has given the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission a seven-day ultimatum to return his white Toyota Hilux GD-6 and US$53,000 cash, seized in July.
• Mliswa alleges that ZACC officers, including investigator Mr. Tsindi, solicited a bribe for the vehicle's release and that Tsindi has a personal vendetta.
• He claims the vehicle was legally purchased with supporting documentation, but ZACC provided no charge sheet or inventory during the seizure.
• Through his lawyers, Mliswa demands an independent investigation into the bribe claim, an inquiry into Tsindi's conduct, and confirmation of the vehicle's legal status.
• ZACC has not publicly responded to Mliswa's formal complaint, which was lodged three months ago, or to media inquiries regarding the matter.

The former legislator asserts that his driver was approached with a request for a bribe to facilitate the vehicle's release, a claim he states undermines the very foundation of the Commission's anti-corruption mandate.

Former Norton Member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa, has issued a stringent seven-day deadline to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for the return of his white Toyota Hilux GD-6, which was seized in July. Accompanying the vehicle, Mliswa asserts, was US$53,000 in cash, for which he also demands accountability. Should ZACC fail to comply with this ultimatum, Mliswa's legal representatives, Masiya-Sheshe Associates, have indicated their intention to initiate court proceedings to reclaim both the vehicle and the funds, alongside seeking legal costs.

The vehicle's seizure occurred on July 19 at the Lions Den Tollgate, under suspicion that it had been illegally imported. Mliswa vehemently denies these allegations, stating that he legitimately acquired the vehicle from Tatenda Gwinji, who previously served as chairman of the Chegutu Rural District Council. He supports his claim with a letter from a council chief executive dated May 13, 2024, an affidavit from Gwinji dated May 14, 2024, and a valid registration book issued by the Central Vehicle Registry. Mliswa further contends that upon seizure, he was not provided with any charge sheet or an inventory of the items taken, including the substantial cash amount.

Beyond the demand for his property, Mliswa has leveled serious accusations against ZACC officers, alleging that they solicited a bribe to facilitate the release of his vehicle. In a formal complaint lodged on July 24, which ZACC acknowledged receiving on the same day, Mliswa specifically named investigator Mr. Tsindi, whose actions he describes as indicative of a "personal vendetta." The former legislator asserts that his driver was approached with a request for a bribe to facilitate the vehicle's release, a claim he states undermines the very foundation of the Commission's anti-corruption mandate.

Addressing ZACC chairman Michael Reza in his complaint, Mliswa highlighted the alleged bribe solicitation as a matter of grave concern. He also linked Mr. Tsindi to a perceived lack of action on corruption allegations within the Hurungwe Rural District Council and Karoi Town Council. Furthermore, Mliswa claims that the investigator intervened with the National Prosecuting Authority to prevent the arrest of suspects in these cases. Despite his formal complaint being submitted three months prior, Mliswa reports that no resolution or official communication has been forthcoming from ZACC.

Through his legal counsel, Mliswa has articulated five specific demands: an independent investigation into the alleged bribe, an inquiry into Mr. Tsindi's conduct for potential abuse of office and interference with justice, official confirmation of the Hilux's legal status, the definitive closure of the matter without further harassment of his family or employees, and appropriate disciplinary action should any wrongdoing be substantiated. Mliswa has publicly affirmed his readiness to cooperate with any lawful investigation, but firmly rejects continued harassment, intimidation, or any further solicitation of bribes.

This is not Mliswa's first engagement with the anti-corruption body concerning vehicles; in October 2020, during his tenure as Norton MP, he requested ZACC to investigate then police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga regarding the procurement of 80 police vehicles. Mliswa also chairs the Southern African Parliamentarians Against Corruption, underscoring his long-standing involvement in anti-corruption efforts. As of the latest reports, ZACC has not issued any public statement or responded to inquiries from Open Parly or zimDaily regarding Mliswa's allegations and demands.

Lawyers and compliance officers should observe the procedural challenges and serious allegations of misconduct, including bribery and abuse of office, leveled against ZACC in this case. This development underscores the importance of demanding strict adherence to due process during asset seizures and highlights potential avenues for legal challenge against anti-corruption bodies in Zimbabwe.

Source: Reporting based on information from Open Parly and zimDaily.