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Cottco scandal: Legislators call for Wadyajena’s removal as chair of Portfolio Committee on Agric

Harare- KNIVES are out for the chairman of Portfolio Committee on Agriculture Justice Mayor Wadyajena after his underhand dealings were recently unearthed in the currently ongoing Cottco Scandal.

Wadyajena is the Gokwe- Nembudziya legislator.

Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission (Zacc) is currently investigating the alleged underhand dealings in Cottco.

The youthful businessman stands accused of using the committee to further his business interests and political hegemony.

A few weeks ago, a warehouse belonging to him was raided in his constituency in Gokwe- Nembudziya and agricultural inputs belonging to Cottco were found.

It is alleged that Wadyajena intended to use the inputs for campaigning.

Zacc spokesperson John Makamure confirmed that the Cottco issue was under the body’s investigation.

“I can confirm that the Anti-Corruption body has started investigations into the Cottco issue.
“Two senior employees at the company are currently being prosecuted for abuse of office at the entity,” he said.

Norton legislator Temba Mliswa said Wadyajena should be removed from chairing the portfolio committee on Agriculture because he has conflict of interest on the issue.

“He was doing business with the people he is supposed to oversight. He is approaching parliament with dirty hands. The honourable thing he can do is to recuse himself until the situation has been resolved,” Mliswa said.

Speaker of Zimbabwe Parliament Jacob Mudenda said the parliament will look into the issue.

“The point raised by honourable Mliswa is valid. Parliament will look into the issue and make necessary recommendations,” he said.

Agenda for development and empowerment Mgcini Nyoni also buttressed that Wadyajena should be removed as chair of the committee.

“It is unjust , biased and it will affect the outcome and independence of the investigation if Mayor remains as portfolio committee chair. His continued occupation of that position while under investigation will prejudice the state and the anti corruption fight which he claims to champion,” he said.

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