Temba Dube
B-Metro Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has swooped in on Plaxedes Chikutu, the Company Secretary of state-owned telecom giant NetOne Pvt Ltd, for allegedly throwing a spanner in the wheels of justice!
Chikutu stands accused of obstructing a criminal investigation into two NetOne employees linked to a shocking hacking and fraud scandal — and the details are astounding.
According to ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu, Chikutu single-handedly suspended Billing Engineer Anotida Munyaradzi and Brand Officer Linda Mutemeri in July 2024, but didn’t bother to inform the Human Resources or Loss Control departments — a move that breached company protocols and left the door wide open for tampering.
“Incredibly, the two suspects retained their company laptops, one of which was later formatted, destroying crucial evidence,” said Mlevu. “Chikutu instructed the suspects not to surrender the devices, even though they were central to the investigation.”
Then in a stunning twist, Chikutu recommended their reinstatement in January 2025, arguing that the suspension was flawed — and even pushed for them to be paid outstanding salaries!
“Her actions seriously compromised the integrity of the investigation,” Mlevu added.
Chikutu will now have to answer for her alleged meddling when she appears before the Rotten Row Magistrates Court in Harare on 30 April 2025.
NetOne has so far remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Will justice dial in? Or is this just the tip of the telecom iceberg?
Online Reporter