Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
The corruption case involving Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) board chairperson Naomi Wekwete finally opened in at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday, with the accused pleading not guilty to allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
Wekwete appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, accused of failing to declare conflict of interest and improperly participating in committee deliberations involving a former student and professional acquaintance, Aluwiso Mukavhi.
According to the State, Wekwete is a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, had a student-lecturer relationship with Mukavhi.
The two also previously worked together during a 2016 survey conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where Mukavhi was involved in data sampling while Wekwete supervised data collection.
When Mukavhi later applied for the post of director for population census and surveys at Zimstat, he reportedly listed Wekwete as a reference on his curriculum vitae.
He was appointed to the post in 2018 after going through the formal interview process.
However, allegations later surfaced suggesting that Mukavhi may have received the interview questions in advance.
Upon learning of the accusations, reportedly through informal channels, Mukavhi wrote to then Zimstat director-general Taguma Mahonde requesting to be downgraded to the position of deputy director, citing ill health.
The matter was subsequently referred to the Human Resources and Governance Committee for deliberation.
On February 11, 2022, the committee convened to discuss Mukavhi’s request.
Prosecutors allege that Wekwete, in her capacity as Zimstat board chairperson, unlawfully attended the meeting, even though she was not supposed to be part of the committee’s proceedings.
The issue was later referred to the full board.
The State further alleges that Wekwete used her influence to steer the committee’s decision and failed to declare her prior relationship with Mukavhi, both through her role at the University of Zimbabwe and in the UNFPA survey.
Another board meeting was held on February 25, 2022, where Mukavhi’s request for a downgrade, as well as the cheating allegations and questions of competence, were discussed.
Wekwete again participated in the deliberations, despite knowing Mukavhi personally, the State alleges.
The board resolved that there was no evidence to support the cheating allegations.
Prosecutors argue that by attending and participating in both meetings, Wekwete acted contrary to her responsibilities as a public officer.
She is accused of unlawfully influencing proceedings and violating protocol by not recusing herself or disclosing her prior associations with the subject of discussion.
In her defence, Wekwete — represented by Harare lawyer Dumisani Mthombeni — strongly denied the charges, maintaining that she acted professionally at all times and within the bounds of her official duties.
She told the court that all decisions were made in consultation with fellow board and committee members.
Wekwete argued that she never abused her authority, influenced outcomes, or imposed her will. She told the court that she had no personal, direct, indirect or financial interest in the matters discussed, including Mukavhi’s request for reassignment.
The trial continues.
Peter Tanyanyiwa