Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Health Minister Obadiah Moyo on Tuesday over inappropriate conduct, reported Washington Post. Moyo has been fired over alleged involvement in the $60 million COVID-19 scandal.
In an official statement, Dr. Misheck Sibanda, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, announced that Mnangagwa has relieved Moyo of his duties.
“In terms of section 340, subsection (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the President has removed Dr Obadiah Moyo form the office of Cabinet Minister with immediate effect for conduct inappropriate for a Government Minister,” the statement read.
Moyo was arrested last month for allotting a tender to Drax International for the supply of COVID-19 drugs and personal protective equipment. According to the charge sheet, he “exerted pressure” on his subordinates to award the contracts worth $60 million to the alleged company despite the fact that it was merely a consulting company with no experience in the manufacture of drug and medical products.
Moyo’s dismissal comes amid mounting pressure by Zimbabwean anti-corruption organizations and political parties who are demanding the president fire all his corrupt government officials. He faces a fine or up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Notably, July 31 has been set as the day for a “national protest” against corruption and political challenges.
The scandal comes as Zimbabwe’s health professionals including doctors and nurses demand more pay and adequate protective gear amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care said in an update on Tuesday revealed that that the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases has reached 734 after 18 people tested positive. The new cases include 16 citizens who returned from South Africa and two local transmissions.
The death toll due to coronavirus rose to nine on Monday. The total number of recoveries has risen to 197 while active cases are 528. A total of 80,654 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the country so far.
