KEY POINTS
- Lawyers say NetOne CEO’s graft charges are baseless.
- ERP upgrade defended as lawful and board-approved.
- Defense claims arrest is politically motivated.
Lawyers for NetOne Cellular Chief Executive Raphael Mushanawani are demanding his immediate release from custody, accusing Zimbabwe’s anti-graft investigators of detaining him without cause over technology upgrade contracts.
In a letter dated September 30, the firm Rubaya & Chatambudza told the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission that Mushanawani’s arrest was based on “brazen falsehoods” and reflected a lack of understanding of IT systems.
Lawyers dispute contract allegations
Authorities arrested Mushanawani on Monday over allegations that he improperly hired Lunartech Solutions to upgrade NetOne’s ERP system for $257,600, with addendums pushing the cost above $1.2 million.
His lawyers dispute the claim, saying the company approved only $184,800 and $88,002.57 for payment.
ERP upgrade defended as board-approved
Attorney Admire Rubaya argued the Sage 1000-to-Sage L200 upgrade was legitimate, approved under NetOne’s 2025 Strategic Plan, and distinct from a separate SAP contract with Farevic Systems. The lawyers also rejected claims of an unapproved $79,467 consultancy deal with Diztech, insisting no contract or payments existed.
Allegations tied to political power play
Beyond the technical disputes, the defense suggested that a corporate and political struggle is targeting Mushanawani.
“Our client is just but a victim in a well-orchestrated ploy to extirpate him from the helm of NetOne,” the letter read. The lawyers warned that if ZACC failed to release him immediately, Mushanawani would pursue legal remedies.
In conclusion, the CEO will appear in court on Wednesday.
