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The Zifa Normalisation Committee has confirmed receiving three letters objecting to the nomination of Martin Kweza (ZIFA Chairman for the Northern Region), Prophet Walter Magaya, and Philemon Machana (former ZIFA board member).
The objection letters, sent by three individuals, were directed to the Ethics and Integrity Committee, as Zimpapers Sports Hub has learned.
Nyasha Samanyandwe, a legal practitioner and one of the three remaining members of the Normalisation Committee, confirmed that the objection letters were received on Monday.
In the first letter, Terrance Pachirere argued that Kweza is unsuitable due to a work-related alleged criminal abuse of office case from January 2024, which was reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission under reference HRC2/01/24. Additionally, there is an alleged fraud report (RRB31/07/24) filed by Engineer T. Maurukira, the Zinwa Chief Executive Officer. Kweza is employed by Zinwa.
The letter of objection was submitted to Zifa on December 16, with another copy also left with the Sport and Recreation Commission.
On the same day, one MJ Chigwedere wrote to Zifa, copying the Sport and Recreation Commission, raising concerns about Magaya’s suitability. Chigwedere listed several grievances, alleging that Magaya is unsuitable for the office of Zifa presidency.
He cited a Section 81 of the Income Tax Act case for alleged tax evasion, a 2018 conviction under the Medicines Control Act in which he was fined US$700 for falsely advertising medicine as a cure for HIV and Aids, and issues involving Get Bucks Microfinance Bank.
Chigwedere also mentioned that Magaya and his Yadah were barred from registering international players due to a FIFA violation of licensing rules. Chigwedere argued that these issues reflect poorly on Magaya’s ethical and governance standards.
K Mugadzaweta accused Machana of failing to disclose his financial interest in Conduit Investments, alleged misappropriation of Covid-19 relief funds, and suspected fraud and corruption.
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