A Johannesburg printing company and its representative are under investigation by Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption authority for allegedly overcharging on election-related materials and equipment. Zimbabwe, already plagued by corruption issues, is reeling from a scandal involving the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) worth R570 million. The scandal centers around Ren-Form, a family-owned printing firm based in Johannesburg, and its agent, Wicknell Chivayo, a prominent figure known for his flamboyance and connections.
Leaked documents suggest Ren-Form significantly inflated prices for items like ballot papers, biometric voter registration kits, and even basic supplies such as portable toilets. For instance, Ren-Form invoiced R23 million for a server that typically costs R90,000, and charged R68,700 per non-flushing toilet that retails for around R10,000 each.
Chivayo, known as “Sir Wicknell,” has been linked to the scandal through purported audio recordings discussing sharing proceeds from ZEC tenders with undisclosed officials. His association with Ren-Form has raised eyebrows, given his previous convictions for money laundering in Zimbabwe.
Ren-Form, which expanded its scope beyond ballot papers to include a range of election materials and electronic gadgets, denies any wrongdoing. Its sales director dismissed allegations of price inflation, attributing discrepancies to project dynamics. Chivayo, meanwhile, has refuted the authenticity of leaked documents implicating him and Ren-Form, asserting they are falsified.
The controversy has intensified with claims that Chivayo swiftly transferred a substantial portion of the funds received by Ren-Form to one of his South African companies. Despite denials from Ren-Form regarding financial impropriety, questions persist regarding the substantial sums paid to the company by the ZEC, totaling potentially up to R1.8 billion according to reports.
The scandal has prompted investigations by Zimbabwe’s Anti-Corruption Commission, with Chivayo and others involved expected to face inquiries. However, both Ren-Form and Chivayo maintain their innocence, asserting compliance with contractual obligations and denying any direct engagement in corrupt practices with ZEC officials.
The unfolding investigation continues to capture public attention in Zimbabwe, underscoring ongoing challenges with transparency and accountability in government procurement processes.
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