Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said on Thursday it had arrested an official from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and an associate on serious allegations of fraud and extortion.

In a statement, ZACC said that Tonderayi Makoni, an official with the FIU, and Wisdom Mutami were arrested for allegedly extorting money from a Bulawayo-based businessman whose bank accounts had been frozen by the FIU.

A third suspect, Clemence Nyamima, is still on the run. According to ZACC, the accused persons acted in concert in a calculated scheme that unfolded in May when Mutami allegedly approached the complainant claiming he had connections that could resolve the businessman’s frozen account.

Mutami is said to have introduced Makoni as his relative and the person with influence at the FIU. The suspects initially demanded a bribe of US$3,000, which was later negotiated down to US$2,500.

The businessman reportedly paid US$520 to Nyamima’s mobile wallet on Makoni’s instructions, followed by a cash payment of US$2,000 handed over in person. Despite receiving the full amount, the suspects failed to deliver on their promise.

The businessman’s accounts remained frozen, and the trio became evasive — raising red flags for the complainant, who subsequently lodged a report with ZACC. ZACC investigators moved swiftly, arresting Mutami in Bulawayo on July 23, while Makoni was apprehended in Harare the same day.

Both suspects are set to appear on July 24, 2025, at the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo and the Harare Magistrates Court, respectively, for their initial remand hearings.

Nyamima remains at large, and ZACC has urged members of the public with information on his whereabouts to come forward. ZACC reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels, including within institutions tasked with upholding financial integrity.

New Ziana