Harare – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Plaxedes Chikutu, Company Secretary of state-owned telecom firm NetOne Pvt Ltd, for allegedly obstructing justice in a criminal investigation involving two employees accused of hacking and financial fraud.
Chikutu is accused of mishandling the suspension and reinstatement of Anotida Munyaradzi (Billing Engineer) and Linda Mutemeri (Brand Officer), who were under investigation for unauthorised access to and manipulation of company systems, potentially linked to fraud.
In July 2024, Chikutu allegedly suspended the two employees without consulting NetOne’s Human Resources or Loss Control departments, a breach of protocol that allowed the suspects to retain company laptops. One laptop, containing critical evidence, was reportedly formatted after Chikutu instructed the suspects not to surrender it, destroying data crucial to the police investigation.
Later, in January 2025, Chikutu recommended reinstatement of both employees and payment of their outstanding salaries, citing procedural errors in their suspension.
Chikutu is scheduled to appear at Harare’s Rotten Row Magistrates Court on 30 April 2025.