Govt Reinstates Embattled NetOne Chief Executive

The government has reportedly reinstated NetOne chief executive Lazarus Muchenje with immediate effect after he was suspended on 20 February on allegations of being incompetent and refusing to provide documentation for an audit.

The development was confirmed by a well-placed source who spoke to NewsDay on condition of anonymity. The source said:

Yes, he was reinstated, effective immediately with all charges levelled against him dropped.

In May, Muchenje and seven other NetOne executives were arrested on corruption and abuse of office charges by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission but were later freed on $3 000 bail each.

Some of the allegations that were being levelled against Muchenje include irregular procurement of fuel, unauthorised purchase of furniture and household goods, unauthorised allocation of company vehicles, withdrawal of fuel at the company’s depots, awarding himself benefits without board approval and failure to adhere to procedures.

He was also being accused of prejudicing the telecommunications company of US$1 million after entering into a US$1 million deal with a Mauritian national who purported to be representing an Indian company which had previously done business with NetOne.

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