The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) official, Tonderayi Makoni, and another suspect, Wisdom Mutami, on allegations of fraud or extortion involving a Bulawayo businessman whose bank accounts were frozen.
A third suspect, Clemence Nyamima, remains at large.
According to ZACC, the trio allegedly demanded US$3,000 from the businessman in May 2025, claiming they could facilitate the unfreezing of his accounts through Makoni’s position at the FIU. The amount was later negotiated down to US$2,500.
Part of the money — US$520 — was reportedly sent to Nyamima’s mobile wallet on Makoni’s instruction, while the balance of US$2,000 was allegedly handed over in cash.
Despite the payment, the accounts remained frozen and the suspects became evasive, prompting the complainant to report the matter to ZACC.
The arrests reflect ZACC’s apparent determination to root out extortion syndicates operating within government-linked institutions, especially where public officials are accused of exploiting citizens under the cover of authority.
Mutami was arrested in Bulawayo on July 23, while Makoni was picked up in Harare. Both are expected to appear in court for initial remand on Thursday at Tredgold and Harare Magistrates’ Courts, respectively.
Efforts to locate and apprehend Nyamima are ongoing. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is Zimbabwe’s national agency responsible for detecting, preventing, and combating financial crimes, particularly money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF). Its mandate includes collecting, analysing, and disseminating financial intelligence to prevent illicit financial activities, and ensuring compliance with AML/CFT/CPF laws.
