*Mliswa’s arrest unmasks alleged high-level corruption ring in Mashonaland West* https://thevoiceonlinenews.com/gwbx ___________________________________ `June 17, 2025` ___________________________________ > *Follow The Voice Online News WhatsApp channel:* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaPRQqTHrDZdGRK5yH43 ___________________________________ > *Share The Voice Online News WhatsApp group link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/DjU5F7Goh3M6M4XSkg81Gx ___________________________________ > *To advertise with The Voice Online News, talk to us here:* https://wa.me/message/PLR6ANGW2RX4I1 ___________________________________ HARARE – Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, was dramatically arrested by a contingent of 12 armed Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers on Sunday. The outspoken politician claimed his arrest was linked to his persistent exposing of corruption by Mashonaland West officials, Commissioner Taonei Nyazema and Minister Marian Chombo, regarding alleged illegal mining activities in the Sanyati River area. Mliswa, whose organisation Cubs Den Consolidated is undertaking a government-approved river rehabilitation project, claimed his detention was a direct retaliation for exposing a “clandestine criminal cartel” engaged in illicit mining, shielded by bribes. He was subsequently released following the direct intervention of the ZRP Commissioner General, who pledged a thorough investigation into the unfolding saga. Writing on his X handle, Mliswa claimed the cartel is involved in illegal mining activities by certain Chinese entities in the Sanyati region, operations he said were detrimental to wildlife and a tourism program in Rengwe Conservancy. According to Mliswa, Cubs Den Consolidated, has been undertaking river rehabilitation efforts in the Sanyati area with a permit from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA). He alleged that these legitimate efforts clash with “secretive transactions” undertaken by Commissioner Nyazema and Minister Chombo. Mliswa accused the officials of accepting a US$150,000 bribe to protect illegal miners who he claimed were degrading the river through unchecked excavation. He further suggested that a lifestyle audit of Commissioner Nyazema would expose financial discrepancies, given the alleged construction of a “grandiose residence” beyond his salary. A formal complaint lodged by Cubs Den Consolidated with Brigadier General Ndlovu, Chairman of the Mashonaland West Joint Operations Command (JOC), dated June 5, 2025, details further incidents. The letter alleges a “personal vendetta” by Commissioner Nyazema against Sabhuku Mliswa and consultant E. Kandira, leading to persistent interruptions in their Sanyati River rehabilitation program. “The crux of these arrests is centred on a personal vendetta that Commissioner Nyazema holds against Sabhuku Mliswa and Mr Kandira,” the letter stated. The complaint states that on June 4, 2025, ZRP Magunje, led by Sergeant Mazavara, raided and arrested three individuals, Posewet Mereki (Rengwe Conservancy Caretaker), Boniface Siyawamaya (Operator), and Pardon Taputai (Operator), who were opening access roads for the rehabilitation. Cubs Den Consolidated asserts that a letter from EMA authorising the rehabilitation had been shared with the JOC on May 28, 2025, rendering the arrests an “unpleasant surprise.” The letter to Brigadier General Ndlovu also claims that Commissioner Nyazema demanded a US$70,000 payment from Kandira to allow Cubs Den Consolidated to continue their rehabilitation work, which Kandira reportedly refused due to its illegality. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that a Chinese mining group, Leisure Fresh (Pvt) Ltd, managed by Farai Rusike, was allowed to operate in the Sanyati River without interference after allegedly paying a fee of “close to USD150,000” to Commissioner Nyazema and Minister Chombo. Cubs Den Consolidated attached what they termed a “bogus permit” issued outside EMA’s authority. They also claim police officers were seen protecting assets of Leisure Fresh (Pvt) Ltd even after their removal from the site. In a letter dated May 19, 2025, from the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife to Minister Chombo, it was confirmed that Cubs Den Consolidated’s request to undertake rehabilitation works on the Sanyati River within Rengwe Conservancy was approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on December 1, 2024. The letter states the project will serve as a “prototype project for developing a national river rehabilitation framework and template” and will be implemented in collaboration with EMA and other stakeholders. A previous complaint from Cubs Den Consolidated to the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe, dated April 14, 2025, also highlighted concerns. It detailed the “malicious arrest” of an assessment team member on April 4, 2025, by Karoi Police while setting up temporary cabins in Rengwe Conservancy, with no mining or rehabilitation work being conducted. This earlier complaint also “highly suspected” the involvement of Minister Chombo, Commissioner Nyazema, and Superintendent Kezias Karuru due to their “prior resistance to the project.” Following his release, Mliswa stated that the ZRP Commissioner General intervened, clarifying that the organisation “does not operate in the burgeoning manner instigated by Mash West Officer Commanding, Commissioner Nyazema.” Mliswa, however, voiced regret that the Commissioner General is “encumbered by the erratic behavior of Propol Nyazema,” whose conduct, Mliswa asserted, “tarnishes any aspirations the organization may have towards maintaining professionalism.” Cubs Den has formally requested an immediate criminal investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) into the alleged conduct of Minister Chombo and Commissioner Nyazema. “We kindly request that an immediate criminal investigation be conducted by ZACC since Minister Chombo is a high-ranking government official and Comm Nyazema is a senior ranking official in the ZRP who has repeatedly hinted to his close allegiance and protection by Commissioner General Mutamba. “The criminal nature of their conduct which involves bribery, corruption, intimidation and land allocation without the requisite signatures requires a thorough criminal investigation by ZACC. ZACC provides the independence required to bring criminal and corrupt actions of Minister Chombo and Comm Nyazema to light,” the organisation stated.