In a shocking turn of events, Tawanda Mandudzo, a 51-year-old director of Whitecard Tobacco Company, found himself in hot water after attempting to bribe a Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) official with $2,000. The bribe was meant to secure the release of a truckload of compressed lamina tobacco, allegedly destined for South Africa without proper permits.

Mandudzo’s plan was to use his company’s export permits for tobacco stems to smuggle the high-grade lamina into South Africa. However, TIMB inspectors and Zimbabwe Republic Police officers caught wind of the scheme during a routine surveillance operation in Waterfalls, Harare. Ringisai Manhando, the driver, was arrested with the contraband, and investigations revealed Mandudzo’s involvement.

As the authorities dug deeper, they discovered Mandudzo had offered a $3,000 bribe to TIMB’s Inspectorate Manager, Isiah Hokonya, which he later reduced to $2,000 after being rebuffed. Mandudzo’s South African partner, Fayaz, even chimed in, pleading with Hokonya to release the impounded tobacco. Unbeknownst to Mandudzo, Hokonya had already reported the bribery attempt to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).

ZACC investigators set up a trap, recording the entire transaction as Mandudzo handed over the $2,000 bribe. The video evidence sealed Mandudzo’s fate, and he was arrested on the spot. He was granted $300 bail and is set to return to court on August 7, 2025, for trial.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry. With the industry playing a crucial role in the country’s economy, it’s essential to ensure that business is conducted fairly and transparently. As the trial unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this case impacts the industry and those involved.

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