The ongoing legal battle between businessman Wicknell Chivayo and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has taken a new turn. Chivayo, who was cleared of fraud allegations related to the Gwanda solar project, is now demanding a whopping $25 million from ZPC.
Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, Chivayo’s company, is seeking $22 million in defamation damages for causing his arrest, and $3 million for expenses incurred between 2013 and 2018. The businessman claims that ZPC tarnished his reputation by getting him arrested on fraud charges.
The High Court had ruled in Chivayo’s favour earlier this year, reinstating him to run the controversial solar project and slapping ZPC with higher-scale costs. However, ZPC filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, which was postponed due to the company’s “shambolic” papers.
Chivayo’s Intratrek had won the tender for the Gwanda solar project at a cost of $173 million, but ZPC later sued him for fraud. The businessman and his company were acquitted of all charges, despite attempts to revive the case through the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe.
As the legal battle continues, Chivayo’s demand for $25 million from ZPC is sure to make headlines. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing saga!
