A local publiction recently obtained an unauthorized payment instruction which revealed an extraordinary and potentially illegal deal involving Betterbrands Petroleum, owned by Zanu PF MP Scott Sakupwanya and affiliated to his party Zanu PF MP Scott Sakupwanya of Zanu PF MP Scott Sakupwanya.
According to this document from the Ministry of Finance, a payment of $4.2 Million directly from them was directed towards Betterbrands Petroleum, raising serious doubt about what nature of this transaction took place with serious questions as to what exactly is involved and under what terms it occurs!
A payment instruction dated May 30, 2025, directed ECOBANK to debit its Treasury USD Tax Nostro account with US$4,295,916.87 on behalf of the Ministry of Finance for Betterbrands Petroleum, with account details provided within.
Zimlive has made numerous requests to Finance Secretary George Guvamatanga and Sakupwanya regarding this payment; both individuals remain silent with respect to our inquiries into it.
Betterbrands Petroleum, a bulk fuel supplier connected with the government’s petroleum industry but which also operates its own petroleum company named Petrotrade, raises the question of whether payments must be made to Sakupwanya’s company; moreover, given his political connections and ownership of Betterbrands Petroleum, it raises further suspicion.
A leaked payment instruction, widely considered significant by experts and critics alike, highlights potential transparency issues within government transactions. Zimlive continues its investigation as both experts and detractors seek answers regarding this transaction.
Documents released include specific payment information such as:
Information Regarding Payment Instruction:
Eco Bank Account Name for Better brands Petroleum Products Ltd: BetterbrandsPetroleumProductsLimitation
Account Number 5712000014236
Amount Due: US$4,292,916.87 (Four Million Two Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand Nine Hundred Sixteen United States Dollars Eighty-Seven Cents).
The payment was made explicitly to the Ministry of Finance.
Leaked correspondence addressed to C. Pedzerai at EcoBank raises serious doubts regarding the Ministry of Finance and whether their transactions comply with its duties and policies.
As the government continues to be scrutinized over its handling of state funds, unanswered questions about transparency remain.
This story is still developing.
