Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has given the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) seven days to release his Toyota Hilux and explain the whereabouts of US$53,000 he claims was inside the vehicle when it was seized.
Mliswa has also accused officials from the anti-graft body of soliciting a bribe to facilitate the vehicle’s release and failing to act on his complaint for three months.
The white Toyota Hilux GD6, registration number AAE 8748, was intercepted at Lions Den Tollgate on July 19, 2026, on suspicion of having been smuggled into the country.
However, Mliswa maintains that the vehicle was legally acquired and has challenged ZACC to account for its continued seizure.
In a formal complaint submitted to ZACC chairman Michael Reza on July 24, Mliswa said he purchased the vehicle from former Chegutu Rural District Council chairman Tatenda Gwinji.
He cited supporting documents, including a letter from the council’s chief executive officer dated May 13, 2024, an affidavit sworn by Gwinji the following day and a vehicle registration book issued by the Central Vehicle Registry.
Despite providing the documents, Mliswa alleges that he was not given a charge sheet or an inventory detailing the items seized with the vehicle.
He further claimed that one of his drivers was approached and asked to pay money to secure the Hilux’s release.
“Of grave concern is the fact that one of my drivers was allegedly approached… and requested to pay a bribe in order to facilitate the release,” Mliswa wrote in his complaint.
“If true, this conduct strikes at the very foundation of the Commission’s mandate.”
Mliswa, who chairs the Southern African Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SAPNAC), also accused a ZACC officer identified as Mr Tsindi of pursuing him out of personal animosity.
“I wish to place on record my serious concern regarding the conduct of Mr Tsindi, whose actions appear to demonstrate a personal vendetta,” he said.
He linked the alleged conduct to his efforts to raise corruption concerns involving Hurungwe Rural District Council and Karoi Town Council.
“It is deeply troubling that corruption allegations involving institutions such as Hurungwe RDC and Karoi TC continue to attract widespread public concern.
“Yet there appears to be little visible enforcement action,” he said.
Mliswa further alleged that Tsindi had engaged the National Prosecuting Authority in an effort to prevent the arrest of suspects linked to the matters he raised.
He said he remained willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but would not tolerate what he described as harassment, intimidation or the alleged solicitation of bribes.
“Throughout my public life, I have consistently advocated for transparency.
“I remain prepared to submit myself to any lawful investigation.
“However, I cannot accept continued harassment, intimidation or the alleged solicitation of bribes,” he said.
Through his lawyers, Masiya-Sheshe Associates, Mliswa is demanding an independent investigation into the alleged bribery attempt, a probe into Tsindi over alleged abuse of office and interference with justice, and official confirmation of the vehicle’s legal status.
His legal team is also seeking assurances that the matter will be concluded without further harassment of his family members and employees, as well as disciplinary action against any officials found to have acted improperly.
The lawyers warned that failure to meet the demands within seven days would prompt court proceedings seeking the release of the vehicle, the recovery of the alleged US$53,000 and payment of legal costs.
ZACC had not responded to questions on the allegations at the time of publication.
The bribery and misconduct claims remain allegations and have not been independently established.
