This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Donors are increasingly concerned about the alleged corruption in Zimbabwe's Covid-19 response, with millions of dollars in public funds potentially being misused.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government awarded a $60 million contract to Dubai-based company Drax Consult for medical supplies to fight Covid-19. However, authorities claim Drax overcharged by more than $500,000.
Local representative Delish Nguwaya, a close associate of President Mnangagwa's son Collins, has been charged with money laundering after receiving a $2 million payment from the Zimbabwe government. Health Minister Obadiah Moyo has also been charged with criminal abuse of office for facilitating the deal, but remains in his position.
The US has noted 'serious allegations of government corruption regarding Zimbabwe's Covid-19 response', stating that every dollar lost to corruption is a dollar stolen from the Zimbabwean people.
The ruling Zanu PF party has threatened to take action against journalist Hopewell Chin'ono for publishing posts alleging links between Collins Mnangagwa and Drax. However, the US embassy has expressed concern over the threats against journalists uncovering the scandal.
The European Union has also weighed in, stating that corruption has the potential to derail Zimbabwe's Covid-19 response and that the cost of corruption is high, especially during a crisis like the pandemic.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the scandal and has interviewed senior government officials. However, the case against Delish Nguwaya may be weakened due to the government's reluctance to investigate more prominent individuals.
