By Staff Reporter
HARARE — NetOne Group Chief Commercial Officer Learnmore Masunda has denied allegations linking him to the recent arrest of the Group CEO ahead of the executive’s second-term renewal in November, dismissing claims that he has any interest in the top post.
Speaking to local media Masunda said he only learned about the accusations through the media and expressed concern over the ongoing mudslinging.
“I have never harbored such ambitions and have no need to cause the arrest of my CEO.
“My main responsibility as Chief Commercial Officer is to support the Group CEO so the company pays dividends to the shareholder.
“The rest are just sideshows from detractors,” he said.
Masunda, along with Chief Technology Officer Chris Muchechemera and Chief Finance Officer Nyasha Nyambuya, was named among executives allegedly involved in the arrest of CEO Mushanawani.
In the absence of Head Legal P. Chikutu, speculation had grown that Masunda was next in line to assume leadership.
He maintained that internal investigations are underway but denied having any role in them, blaming the accusations on individuals intent on tarnishing his image.
According to ZACC, Mushanawani allegedly approved contracts worth US$1.2 million for system upgrades intended for replacement. Documentation, however, shows only US$272,000 was disbursed under approved procurement procedures.
Company insiders described the SAGE 1000 upgrades as routine operational expenses rather than fraudulent transactions.
A smear campaign has since claimed that an internal probe is also targeting other senior officials, including Masunda and Procurement Chief Chidzodzo.
“I have witnessed a choreographed smear campaign against my persona, with vexatious claims meant to tarnish my integrity and assassinate my character,” Masunda said.
The dossier accuses Masunda of irregularities in vehicle disposal, unauthorized stock adjustments worth nearly US$10 million annually, multiple sexual harassment reports, and bringing a firearm to work to intimidate staff.
Chidzodzo has also been implicated in the disappearance of 17 Samsung Z Fold devices and questionable vehicle disbursement.
Board chairperson Engineer Mawurukira is said to have recently halted discount waivers and financial practices from Masunda’s division estimated to cost the company over US$20 million annually.
Masunda maintains the allegations are baseless and part of a wider smear campaign, insisting he has no knowledge of any wrongdoing.
Mushanawani has since returned to work and urged staff to focus on rebuilding operations, with an urgent Exco meeting set for Wednesday.
