Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday fired beleaguered Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo who is embroiled in a multi-million dollar scandal relating to procurement of drugs and health consumables.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda said Dr Moyo, who is currently out on bail facing three criminal abuse of office charges, had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect.
“Please be advised that His Excellency, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D Mnangagwa has in terms of Section 340, sub-section (1), paragraph (f) as read with Section 104, sub-section (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe removed Dr Obadiah Moyo from the Office of Cabinet Minister with immediate effect for conduct inappropriate for a government minister,” read a statement released by Dr Sibanda.
Moyo, who became the second cabinet minister to be arrested for alleged graft, is currently out on $50 000 bail.
He is alleged to have used his position to influence award of drugs and medical equipment supply tenders to public health institutions in favour of two companies – Papi Pharma and DraxInternational – disregarding procurements laws.
By allegedly facilitating the deals, Moyo is accused of having potentially prejudiced government of over US$30 million.
Moyo joins former Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Prisca Mupfumira in having been arrested and fired for alleged graft.
She faces charges of corruption involving over US$90 million connected to the National Social Security Authority.
Mupfumira is out on bail.
Moyo will be back in court at the end of this month for the continuation of his trial.
New Ziana
