Two officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) have been arrested on allegations of extorting US$2,500 from a Bulawayo businessman, promising to facilitate the unfreezing of his bank accounts.
The two are Tonderai Makoni and Wisdom Mutami.
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which arrested the two, their alleged accomplice, Clemence Nyamima, is still at large.
“The two accused persons, acting in common purpose with a third accomplice, Clemence Nyamima (still at large), allegedly demanded money from a Bulawayo-based businessman whose accounts are frozen by the FIU, claiming Makoni will facilitate the unfreezing.
“It is alleged that in May 2025, Mutami approached a businessman whose accounts are frozen by FIU, claiming he can facilitate the unfreezing of accounts by his relative, Makoni,” ZACC said in a statement.
It is alleged that Mutami demanded US$3,000, which was later negotiated down to US$2,500.
The complainant made an initial payment of US$520 to Nyamima’s mobile wallet, on Makoni’s instructions.
The balance of US$2,000 was later handed over in cash.
Despite these payments, the complainant’s accounts remained frozen, and the accused persons became evasive, prompting the complainant to lodge a report with ZACC.
Mutami was arrested in Bulawayo on 23 July 2025 while Makoni was arrested in Harare.
The two are due to appear in court for initial remand.
Source: Newzimbabwe
