*The Wasu Post*
*Zimbabwe, 29 April 2025* – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Plaxedes Chikutu, the Company Secretary of state-owned telecommunications firm NetOne Pvt Ltd, for allegedly obstructing the course of justice in a criminal investigation involving two of the company’s employees.
Chikutu is accused of improperly handling the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Anotida Munyaradzi, a Billing Engineer, and Linda Mutemeri, a Brand Officer, who were under investigation for unauthorised access to and manipulation of NetOne’s internal systems—acts suspected to be linked to financial fraud.
According to ZACC, in July 2024, Chikutu suspended the duo without consulting the company’s Human Resources or Loss Control departments, which was a violation of standard procedure. This oversight reportedly enabled the suspects to retain possession of company-issued laptops.
One of the devices, believed to contain key evidence, was allegedly formatted after Chikutu instructed the employees not to surrender it—resulting in the destruction of critical data needed for ongoing police investigations.
In January 2025, Chikutu further recommended the reinstatement of both employees and the payment of their backdated salaries, citing procedural irregularities in their initial suspension.
ZACC has charged Chikutu with obstructing or defeating the course of justice. She is expected to appear before the Rotten Row Magistrates Court in Harare on 30 April 2025.
The case raises fresh concerns over internal controls and accountability at state-owned enterprises, particularly in handling suspected white-collar crimes.