The Chief Executive Officer of state-owned mobile network operator NetOne Cellular Private Limited, Raphael Mushanawani, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over allegations of fraud and criminal abuse of office involving a staggering US$1.2 million.
ZACC confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Monday, September 29, 2025, revealing that Mushanawani faces charges linked to the alleged mismanagement of company funds.
The Allegations
According to ZACC, Mushanawani authorized the release of US$1.2 million for the replacement of NetOne’s SAGE 1000 accounting and management system, alongside consultancy and training services associated with the project.
Investigators allege that the disbursement was made without the approval of either the executive committee or the board of directors, raising red flags about governance and accountability within the parastatal.
The commission described the transaction as a serious breach of corporate procedures, suggesting deliberate circumvention of internal checks and balances.
Court Appearance
The NetOne boss is scheduled to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday, September 30, 2025, where he will face charges of fraud and criminal abuse of office.
Legal experts suggest that if found guilty, Mushanawani could face hefty penalties, including jail time, given the gravity of the charges and the amount of money involved.
ZACC’s Stance on Corruption
In its statement, ZACC reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption at all levels, particularly in public institutions and state-owned enterprises where accountability of resources remains a growing concern.
“This case highlights the commission’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in both public and private entities,” read part of the ZACC communication.
Background: NetOne and Governance Challenges
NetOne, one of Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operators, has in the past faced repeated governance challenges and allegations of corruption. Several executives have previously been implicated in scandals involving irregular tenders, mismanagement of resources, and unauthorized expenditures.
Analysts argue that the latest case underlines systemic problems in parastatals where weak oversight has allowed corruption to thrive.
Public Reaction
The arrest has sparked widespread debate on social media and within business circles. Many Zimbabweans have called for harsher penalties for corporate corruption, while others remain skeptical about whether high-profile arrests will lead to convictions, citing past cases that fizzled out without significant outcomes.
For subscribers and customers, the development raises concerns about service delivery and financial stability at the mobile operator, which serves millions of Zimbabweans across the country.
What’s Next
As Mushanawani heads to court, the case is expected to set the tone for how corruption cases involving top executives in state enterprises will be handled going forward. ZACC has pledged to pursue the matter diligently, while anti-corruption watchdogs are calling for full transparency in the trial process.
The outcome of the proceedings will be closely monitored, not only for its legal implications but also for the signal it sends about accountability and integrity within Zimbabwe’s struggling public enterprises.
