It never rains but pours for the beleaguered former Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption (ZACC) spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure who is reported to have been fired at Southern Africa Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST), an organization he co-founded with his colleagues almost two decades ago.
According to our source who has chosen to remain anonymous, Makamure was fired over a week ago. The former director has been ducking and diving the board over key issues that threaten the viability of the organization, of key concern, his neglect of duty in appraising the board of his conflict-ridden involvement in politics and subsequent abuse of office. It took a series of emergency SAPST board meetings last week to finally award the former commissioner the boot.
It is also reported that the former SAPST board chairperson was cornered by the board for not exercising his duties with diligence, citing that Makamure’s situation should have been dealt with the moment his conflict arose. The chairperson resigned from the board and has since been replaced by acting chairperson, Lucy Mazingi.
Israel Chilimanzi, who has been co-director of SAPST has now been elevated to the post of acting Executive Director pending substantial confirmation from the board. We reached out to Chilimanzi who declined to comment on the issues and directed us to the current chairperson. Makamure’s phone was not answered and Mazingi said that the board will issue a full statement in due course.
Elsewhere, Makamure faces an enquiry into his suitability to continue in his position over a number of misconduct allegations at Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary Nick Mangwana said on 17 October that Makamure’s fate would be determined by a tribunal.
“This afternoon at 1600, State House Harare. His Excellency, President @edmnangagwa will swear in the Tribunal to enquire into the question of removal from office of Commissioner John Makamure of @ZACConline who faces a number of allegations including of a criminal nature,” Mangwana tweeted.
ZACC has since appointed Thandiwe Mlobane as its new spokesperson following the recent suspension of Makamure.
