NETONE SCANDAL SHOWS HOW DEEP ZIMBABWE’S CORRUPTION HAS ROTTEN THE SYSTEM

Zimbabwe continues to suffer under the weight of greed, corruption, and power games. The recent chaos at NetOne, a state-owned company that should be serving the people, has once again shown how broken our country has become. What should have been a story about building better communication services has turned into yet another tale of political fights, lies, and theft from the people.

Three senior executives at NetOne are being accused by their own colleagues of corrupt procurement practices. These are not outsiders making claims. These are people who work inside the system, people who are tired of the rot. Their accusations come just after the company’s boss, Raphael Mushanawani, was arrested for a US$1.2 million fraud case. The timing of all this is no accident. It shows how deep the corruption runs within these government-controlled institutions.

Mushanawani was locked in a bitter power struggle with another senior executive, Learnmore Masunda. Masunda, the chief commercial officer, is accused of trying to take Mushanawani’s job. While Masunda denies it, insiders say that is exactly what’s happening. The fight between these two men is not just about control of a company — it has now pulled in powerful politicians from both sides, with people even claiming to have backing from State House. Once again, politics has taken over professionalism.

After being detained for two days, Mushanawani was released on bail. Shockingly, the NetOne board and management have decided to stand by him, despite the serious allegations. It is as if corruption has become a badge of honour in Zimbabwe. Those accused of wrongdoing are not suspended, they are protected. Those who try to speak out are threatened or silenced.

Inside the company, more names are being mentioned. Marketing executive Catherine Gijima, head of procurement Bornface Chidzodzo, and Masunda himself are under scrutiny. The new allegations claim that Gijima used an unregistered supplier, Brunok Investments, to put up billboards in several provinces without going through proper tender procedures. No paperwork, no competition, no transparency. Just verbal agreements and favours — all done behind closed doors while the people of Zimbabwe continue to suffer.

Procurement rules exist for a reason. They ensure fairness and prevent the misuse of public money. But in this case, even before documents were signed, Brunok Investments was already on-site, erecting billboards. This is not just irregular — it is criminal. It exposes NetOne to financial loss and shows that the company is being run like a private pocketbook for a few individuals.

When questioned, Gijima refused to comment, saying the issue was under the procurement department. Chidzodzo also tried to shift blame, saying his juniors handled the process. Everyone is suddenly innocent. No one takes responsibility. That is the story of Zimbabwe’s leadership — full of excuses, empty promises, and no accountability.

This scandal has now opened another dark chapter in NetOne’s long history of corruption. Over the years, the company has been a playground for political elites who use it to enrich themselves while ordinary citizens pay the price through poor services and higher tariffs.

What is happening at NetOne is a reflection of the entire nation. The same disease that has crippled government ministries, hospitals, and councils is now destroying state-owned companies. Corruption is not just an act — it has become a culture. And until we, the people, say enough is enough, nothing will change.

The time has come for true justice. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission must act without fear or favour. Those involved in corruption must be exposed and punished. We cannot keep allowing public institutions to be used as feeding troughs for the powerful. Zimbabwe belongs to the people — not to the thieves who hide behind party colours and political titles.

The NetOne scandal is not just about billboards and tenders. It is about a system that has lost its soul. It is about a nation crying out for honest leadership. Until that day comes, we will keep telling the truth — loud and clear. The people of Zimbabwe deserve better.