HARARE - The new Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Board is pushing for the investigation of the source of wealth of several senior central bank officials who became multi-millionaires overnight, amid allegations of corruption and looting.
An RBZ Board member told The Zimbabwean that a majority of board members agreed that a committee should be set up to investigate allegations that several senior Central bank officials looted millions of dollars which they used to acquire private businesses, up market properties and other assets.
We have discovered that a number of senior bank officials are now very rich. Most board members are of the opinion that the source of this wealth needs to be investigated as allegations of corruption and looting have been raised from all quarters, said the RBZ board member. He said a number of employees were volunteering essential information which might prove vital in the investigations.
The Board member said top on the list of officials who could be investigated is Munyaradzi Kereke, an advisor to RBZ Governor Gideon Gono who now owns one of the biggest undertaking businesses in the country. He also owns a meat processing company, a modern high-tech hospital, as well as several other businesses, farms, residential and commercial properties.
However, Central Bank Governor Gideon Gono, who chairs the RBZ Board, would not be investigated as only the minister of finance Tendai Biti, Parliament and President Robert Mugabe have powers to do that. RBZ deputy board chairman, Charles Kuwaza is said to be leading the campaign to have the Central Bank officials investigated, resulting in a messy clash with Gono who wants to protect himself and his top lieutenants. RBZ spokesperson Kumbirai Nhongo has not responded to questions submitted to him in writing several weeks ago.
Post published in: News