Thursday, 28 March, 2024
HomeMedico-LegalZimbabwe Health Minister charged with coronavirus corruption

Zimbabwe Health Minister charged with coronavirus corruption

Zimbabwe Health Minister Obadiah Moyo has been charged with corruption related to Zimbabwe’s irregular awarding of a major contract to a new Dubai-based company for coronavirus testing and protective kits. This after the Finance Ministry found that just 3,700 kits were supplied by Drax International, a company that had failed to pass minimum government procurement standards.

The Zimbabwe Mail reports that Moyo was arrested following investigations brought by the country's anti-graft commission, which accused him of criminal abuse of office in connection with the US$60m contract. A Harare court granted him US$50 000 bail. Moyo faces three charges of abuse of office, two of which date back to last year for the supply of general medical equipment to public hospitals.

He was not asked to enter a plea but ordered to return to court on 31 July. The health minister could be fined or face up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted.

According to the charge sheet, Mr Moyo "exerted pressure" on his subordinates to award the contracts worth US$60m.

One of the Zimbabwean president’s sons was forced to issue a statement denying a link to the company involved after pictures emerged of the Zimbabwean representative of the firm with Emmerson Mnangagwa nd his wife and sons at several events.

It was reported that Moyo has previoulsy been accused of faking his medical qualifications.

[link url="https://www.thezimbabwemail.com/law-crime/zimbabwe-health-minister-granted-bail-in-covid-19-graft/"]Full Zimbabwe Mail report[/link]

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