By Own Correspondence: Bomber Rugare
Paul Tempter Tungwarara has become a household name in Zimbabwe’s political and business circles, not necessarily for his entrepreneurial prowess, but for the numerous allegations of corruption and underhanded dealings that have followed his career.
As a staunch supporter of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Tungwarara has emerged as one of the key figures pushing for Mnangagwa’s controversial third-term bid.
However, behind this loyalty lies a web of accusations ranging from fraudulent business dealings to bribery and misuse of state resources.
Political Patronage and the Mnangagwa Third-Term Bid
Tungwarara’s recent public support for President Mnangagwa’s extended stay in office has sparked outrage, particularly among war veterans who feel betrayed by the administration.
Senior war veteran Blessing Geza recently condemned the 2030 re-election campaign, which has been driven by a faction within ZANU-PF that includes Tungwarara.
Many believe Tungwarara’s backing of Mnangagwa is not out of genuine loyalty, but rather a strategic move to protect his vast financial interests, acquired through questionable means.
His business empire, largely built on government tenders, is deeply intertwined with state contracts that critics argue are obtained through patronage rather than merit.
Dubious Business Deals and Unfulfilled Contracts
The 2019 Multi-Million-Dollar Debt Scandal
In 2019, Tungwarara was exposed in a major financial scandal involving a debt of US$4.5 million. Reports suggested that he owed investors this hefty sum, raising serious questions about his business ethics and financial transparency.
Although the scandal was widely covered in local newspapers, it was quickly overshadowed by other controversies, and the matter quietly disappeared from public discourse.
Fraud Allegations in 2023
Tungwarara’s name resurfaced in another scandal in 2023 when he was implicated in allegations of defrauding US$2 million.
The case briefly went to court, but as has become the norm in high-profile financial fraud cases in Zimbabwe, the matter was eventually dismissed without much explanation.
Many speculate that political connections and strategic maneuvering helped him escape accountability.
The Zim Cyber City Dispute
Another major controversy linked to Tungwarara involves his business dealings with a partner known as Shaji Ul Mulk. Initially, Tungwarara was accused of siphoning funds from the Zim Cyber City project, a high-profile investment initiative.
The fallout between the two businessmen seemed irreparable, but surprisingly, Mulk later withdrew the allegations after what some sources claim was external pressure to maintain business stability.
This turn of events only fuelled suspicions of Tungwarara’s ability to manipulate legal and business systems to his advantage.
State Contracts: Corruption or Coincidence?
The Presidential Borehole Scheme Scandal
One of Tungwarara’s most controversial government contracts involves the Presidential Borehole Scheme, a project meant to provide clean water to communities through a large-scale borehole drilling initiative.
His company, Prevail International, was awarded the contract, but investigations revealed that most of the boreholes drilled were non-functional.
Reports suggest that the project was a front to siphon public funds while presenting a facade of service delivery.
The State House Precast Wall Project
Tungwarara was also at the centre of controversy surrounding the State House precast wall project. His company won the tender to construct the wall, a project that was criticised for its excessive cost and opaque awarding process.
Despite public outrage, Tungwarara defended the project, dismissing allegations of corruption. However, questions remain about how his company consistently secures high-value government projects.
Overcharging ZINWA
Tungwarara’s business dealings with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) have also raised eyebrows.
Reports indicate that his company significantly overcharged ZINWA for services rendered under the Presidential Scheme, further reinforcing concerns that his business model relies on inflating state contracts for personal gain.
Media Manipulation and Reputation Management
To counter the negative press surrounding his business empire, Tungwarara has allegedly invested heavily in controlling his public image.
There are reports that he has paid state-owned media to publish favorurable stories about his projects, portraying him as a visionary entrepreneur and patriot.
These media narratives are often at odds with the on-the-ground reality of his failed or questionable projects.
A Threat to Zimbabwe’s Economy?
Critics argue that Tungwarara represents a broader problem in Zimbabwe’s economic landscape: the rise of politically connected businessmen who thrive on state contracts and corruption.
His ability to evade accountability despite multiple allegations of fraud, overpricing, and contract manipulation underscores the deep-rooted issues within Zimbabwe’s governance system.
As long as individuals like Tungwarara continue to operate unchecked, many fear that the country’s economic stability will remain under threat.
Paul Tempter Tungwarara’s journey from businessman to influential political figure is marked by controversy at every turn.
His unwavering support for Mnangagwa’s third-term bid appears to be driven more by self-preservation than ideology.
With allegations of fraud, bribery, and state contract manipulation trailing his career, his legacy is unlikely to be one of business brilliance but rather of strategic political maneuvering.
Whether he will ever be held accountable for his actions remains to be seen, but his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangerous intersection of business and politics in Zimbabwe.
