Tendai Biti Slams Tagwirei as “Face of Corruption,” Calls for Audit on State Contracts
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has come out swinging against controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, calling him the “face of corruption” and warning that his growing influence poses a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s future.
Biti’s remarks follow attacks from Tagwirei, who recently accused Biti and former ZANU-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere of corruption. But Biti, who has long criticised Tagwirei’s dealings with the state, wasn’t having any of it.
Back when he was still an MP, Biti raised red flags about Command Agriculture, a programme heavily linked to Tagwirei’s company, Sakunda Holdings. That same company later landed Tagwirei on a 2020 U.S. sanctions list over allegations that he enriched himself through corrupt government contracts.
Doubling down, Biti has now demanded a full audit of state-issued Treasury Bills, saying billions have disappeared through shady backdoor deals — and he believes Tagwirei was the biggest beneficiary.
Without naming him directly, Biti said Zimbabwe must stand against “crooks” trying to buy power and capture the state. He warned that their time would come.
“We stand firm on principle & on deep-rooted values that have defined us for decades. We will never allow charlatans & crooks to take over the State, to emasculate the Constitution, or to buy their way into office. Criminals must know that one day soon, Zimbabwe will rise, and crooks will fall,” Biti said.
He also insisted that the country needs to account for all Treasury Bills issued over the past 20 years, claiming that one businessman — clearly hinting at Tagwirei — had received more than anyone else.
“A New Zimbabwe must audit all Treasury Bills issued by the Government in the last 20 years. Billions have been illicitly siphoned off in opaque transactions done outside parliamentary scrutiny. One crook has been awarded more TBs than any other entity in Zimbabwe. It’s time for this audit!” added Biti.
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The post Tendai Biti Slams Tagwirei as “Face of Corruption,” Calls for Audit on State Contracts appeared first on iHarare News.
