Vusumuzi Dube
Sunday News Reporter
AN IT startup company owner who operates in Zimbabwe and South Africa is reportedly being sought after he is alleged to have been hired by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) to manipulate the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Mbongeni Mabhena, who operates Sproutec IT Technology company, was initially nabbed from his home in Bulawayo’s Luveve 5 suburb on 15 August but is alleged to have escaped lawful custody on 18 August.
According to sources close to the matter, Mabhena had travelled from his South African base and on the day he was nabbed, he spent the afternoon with senior members of the CCC at a popular braai spot in Luveve.
Police later got a tip off that the CCC could have been engaging Mabhena’s IT company to create a database for the party and also see how they could also use it in the upcoming elections.
“Our information was that Mabhena’s company was going to be used for the creation of a database and also possible coalition of the results, which is illegal, as you know according to the electoral Act this is all the prerogative of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
“Mabhena actually travelled to the country and was spotted with CCC officials koMpofu, which is a popular braai spot in Luveve. He was later arrested at his home, as already our officers had information relating to his company,” said a police source.
It is further alleged that he was detained at Bulawayo Central police station as investigations continued on the matter.
“However, on 18 August Mabhena disappeared from police custody under unclear circumstances hence a manhunt has since been launched,” said the source.
However, Mabhena’s acquaintances revealed that he was being wrongfully targeted.
“Mabhena was here visiting and his meeting with the CCC officials was just by coincidence nothing much at all,” said the relative.
Bongani Ndlovu