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Minister Mandiwanzira

Herald Reporter
The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, yesterday slammed a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for granting suspended NetOne chief executive Mr Reward Kangai, an opportunity to defend himself on matters that were under investigations.

In what Minister Mandiwanzira described as “rare”, the Portfolio Committee on Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, chaired by Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament Mr Nelson Chamisa, called Mr Kangai to discuss matters that led to his suspension.

While giving evidence, Mr Kangai made sensational claims that he was crucified by Minister Mandiwanzira after he refused his directive to append his signature to deposit $4million to his business ally, Mr Li Xiaodong, the chief executive officer of Megawatt Energy among other claims.

However, in a statement yesterday Minister Mandiwanzira who is in Brazil on official business, said he was surprised why someone on forced leave was given such an opportunity by the National Assembly.

“I have noted the presentation before the ICT Portifolio committee by NetOne CEO, Mr Reward Kangai yesterday.

“I am surprised that a CEO who is on forced leave to pave way for a corruption probe at NetOne by the Comptroller and Auditor General through PWC – could be granted such rare opportunity.

“I am aware that the Parliament hearing and other activities I have ignored are meant to pre-empt the audit report and intimidate the auditor. These cheap efforts shall not succeed.

“In order not to play into the hands of those behind the shenanigans, I shall be issuing a robust and comprehensive statement on the scurrilous allegations levelled against me – only when the audit report is out. I am informed that the forensic audit report is less than thirty days from being finalised,” he said in the statement.

Mr Kangai’s suspension has been extended for another three months to facilitate the forensic audit at the parastatal.

Mr Kangai was put on forced leave from March 14, 2016 to pave way for a forensic audit at the parastatal, amid indications that the mobile phone operator could have lost millions of dollars through underhand dealings in procurement scandals.

However, giving oral evidence to the committee on NetOne operations and the circumstances leading to his suspension, Mr Kangai alleged Minister Mandiwanzira booted him out because he wanted to secure his friend’s business interests as well as his.

Chief operating officer Mr Brian Mutandiro now leads the company.