By Staff Reporter
The recent surge of whistleblower activism has thrust Minister Daniel Garwe and his wife, Sharon Mugabe, into the national spotlight. Allegations swirling around them involve public funds, marital legal battles, and potential abuse of political powerโbut are these signs of corruption, or evidence of politically motivated attacks?
Sharon Mugabe, niece to former President Robert Mugabe and daughter of trade unionist Albert Mugabe Sr, is no stranger to Zimbabweโs elite circles. Her private life has often spilled into public controversy, starting with her relationship with then-Deputy Minister Bright Matonga in 2008, which made headlines and led to legal and personal turmoil.
Controversy deepened with her relationship with Garwe. In 2018, Garweโs ex-wife, Pedzisai Mirrian Lilliethy, accused him in the High Court of diverting family farm assetsโitems acquired under the governmentโs Command Agriculture schemeโto enhance Mugabeโs property. The court issued an order barring Garwe from transferring assets amid their divorce.
Further allegations surfaced at the National Building Society (NBS). Whistleblower accounts claim Mugabe received an unapproved Z$1.4 million loan from NBS, despite lacking a client history. The NBS Chief Finance Officer, Ethel Rumbidzai Chitanda, reportedly objected due to compliance concerns and Mugabeโs poor credit rating. Chitanda was allegedly dismissed after rejecting the loan, and the funds were later approved for Mugabeโs overseas medical expenses.
Additional claims suggest Garwe pressured NBS to back a questionable housing project in Melfort, Goromonzi, raising further ethical questions.
Anti-corruption campaigners argue these incidents reveal deep-rooted patronage and political overreach. In contrast, supporters of Garwe and Mugabe suggest the allegations are part of a broader political vendetta, especially as the couple has avoided public comment and formal investigations by anti-graft agencies are still pending.
