Lawyer David Coltart warns people about taking large gifts from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The opposition senator says these donations could break Zimbabwe's money laundering laws. Anyone who receives money from crime could face jail time. Coltart posted his warning on social media June 12. He wants people to think carefully before accepting suspicious donations.
Zimbabwe's Money Laundering Act makes it illegal to use stolen money. People can face criminal charges even if they suspect the money came from corruption. Coltart says ignorance will not protect anyone from prosecution. The law applies to both people who give dirty money and those who take it. Even suspicion about money sources can lead to criminal charges.
Chivayo gave Highlanders FC one million dollars and paid 250,000 dollars upfront for operations. South African reports show over 800 million rand went to Chivayo's companies from Ren-Form. That company received more than one billion rand from Zimbabwe's Finance Ministry for election materials during 2023. Chivayo allegedly spent the money on luxury cars, travel and payments to various firms. The Financial Intelligence Centre flagged these transfers as suspicious.
People who break the money laundering law face serious punishment. Courts can impose fines up to 500,000 dollars and prison terms reaching 25 years. The law does not require proof of the original crime to prosecute money laundering cases. Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Commission started investigating the 2023 election deal but has made little progress.
Zimbabwe's Money Laundering Act makes it illegal to use stolen money. People can face criminal charges even if they suspect the money came from corruption. Coltart says ignorance will not protect anyone from prosecution. The law applies to both people who give dirty money and those who take it. Even suspicion about money sources can lead to criminal charges.
Chivayo gave Highlanders FC one million dollars and paid 250,000 dollars upfront for operations. South African reports show over 800 million rand went to Chivayo's companies from Ren-Form. That company received more than one billion rand from Zimbabwe's Finance Ministry for election materials during 2023. Chivayo allegedly spent the money on luxury cars, travel and payments to various firms. The Financial Intelligence Centre flagged these transfers as suspicious.
People who break the money laundering law face serious punishment. Courts can impose fines up to 500,000 dollars and prison terms reaching 25 years. The law does not require proof of the original crime to prosecute money laundering cases. Zimbabwe's Anti-Corruption Commission started investigating the 2023 election deal but has made little progress.
