Parliament has dismissed Bikita South legislator Energy Mutodi as chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion after he made unsubstantiated social media allegations that Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga demanded kickbacks from contractors, including Bitumen World (Private) Limited.
Parliament sources said Mutodi’s dismissal followed findings that he flouted parliamentary procedures by making serious claims without first presenting them through formal committee processes or providing any evidence to support his allegations.
In a letter dated Oct. 7, 2025, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda formally notified Mutodi that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) had resolved to remove him from his position with immediate effect.
“This serves to notify you that pursuant to Standing Order No. 19 of the National Assembly, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO) has resolved to terminate your tenure as Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion with immediate effect,” Mudenda wrote.
“Consequently, all benefits and entitlements attendant upon the said role shall likewise be discontinued forthwith. Please be guided accordingly.”
The decision, copied to Government Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi and Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda, came amid growing calls for accountability following Mutodi’s explosive but baseless accusations.
Mutodi had claimed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Guvamatanga demanded bribes from contractors before authorizing payments. He alleged that Bitumen World was among those affected.
However, Bitumen World swiftly issued a public statement on Oct. 8, 2025, rejecting the claims and making clear that no such solicitations had occurred.
“We have taken note of posts on the X social media platform by a handle Dr Energy Mutodi @energymutodi in which some allegations are made of and pertaining to Mr George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Economic Development and Investment Promotion,” the company said.
“Bitumen which was contracted to do roads has been asked to pay US$200,000 by George for every $2000,000 weekly payments he authorises them to receive and they have made several complaints to Members of the Budget Committee at Parliament.”
“Bitumen World (Private) Limited trading as ‘Bitumen’ would like to dissociate itself from the post made by Dr Energy Mutodi @energymutodi to the extent that the contents thereof relate to it. We categorically state that we have not received any solicitations from Mr George Guvamatanga.”
Bitumen World Chief Executive Andre Zietsman emphasized the company’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development goals.
“Bitumen World remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development agenda. The company continues to work with relevant ministries and agencies to deliver quality, sustainable projects that strengthen the national road network and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.”
Mutodi has not commented on his removal. His ouster underscores Parliament’s effort to maintain procedural integrity and curb misinformation among lawmakers, particularly on matters involving public officials and state contracts.
