Breaking News V11 Corruption Deal Wicknell Chivayo US$20 Million Monthly Cash Withdrawals on Government

By Staff Reporter
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September 30, 2025

HARARE – A leaked confidential report from the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has revealed that businessman Wicknell Chivhayo sought approval to withdraw up to US $20 million in cash every month through Ecobank, claiming the money was needed to pay Chinese suppliers for a government ICT contract.

The FIU memorandum, dated 13 December 2024, shows that Ecobank had approached the regulator to authorise the extraordinary withdrawals on behalf of three companies owned by Chivhayo.

According to the document seen by The Zimbabwe Mail, “the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received applications from Ecobank for authority to make monthly cash withdrawals of USD 20 million … all owned by Mr. Wicknell Chivhayo.”

When asked to provide supply contracts to verify the source of funds, Chivhayo flatly refused, arguing that the agreements were confidential. Instead, he requested a private meeting so he could present the paperwork in person.

At a session held on 13 December with FIU officials and Ecobank representatives, he insisted that some Chinese suppliers demanded cash and that the US $20 million request merely represented the maximum he might ever need to withdraw rather than an amount he intended to take each month.

The document also records FIU concerns that such vast cash movements posed “significant risks of potential money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.” Chivhayo maintained that he could not permit copies of the contracts to be made, though he was willing to allow regulators to view them during a face-to-face meeting.

For pro-democracy critics, the revelation underscores the opacity and privilege that characterise Zimbabwe’s political economy. The leaked memo points to multimillion-dollar state contracts linked to Chivhayo’s firms and highlights how politically connected businessmen continue to leverage government deals for personal gain.

Zimbabwe tourism packages

As one opposition-aligned economist put it, this episode offers “yet another reminder that public contracts are treated as private piggy banks for those close to power,” deepening public mistrust of a system already strained by corruption and economic hardship.

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Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

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Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

Many injured people worry about hiring a lawyer because they are already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and financial stress.

The good news is that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.

That usually means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court recovery if the case succeeds.

Fee agreements vary, so always read the contract carefully.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment depends on the outcome of the case.

If there is no recovery, the lawyer may not collect an attorney fee. However, case costs may be handled differently depending on the agreement.

The American Bar Association explains that in a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, and if the client loses, the lawyer generally does not receive a fee, though expenses may still be owed depending on the agreement.

What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

Percentages vary by lawyer, case type, and state rules. Many contingency fees are based on a percentage of the recovery.

Some agreements may use different percentages depending on whether the case settles early, enters litigation, or goes to trial.

Ask the lawyer to explain the fee clearly before signing.

Attorney Fees vs. Case Costs

Attorney fees are not always the same as case costs.

Case costs may include:

Court filing fees
Medical record fees
Expert witness fees
Deposition costs
Investigation expenses
Postage
Trial exhibit costs
Accident reconstruction
Copying and records

Ask whether costs are deducted before or after the attorney percentage is calculated.

Questions to Ask About Fees

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask:

What is your contingency fee percentage?
Does the fee change if a lawsuit is filed?
Who pays case costs?
Are costs deducted before or after attorney fees?
What happens if we lose?
Will I receive a written fee agreement?
Are there any upfront costs?
How are medical liens handled?
Will I approve settlement decisions?

A good attorney should explain fees in plain language.

Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It?

A lawyer may be worth considering when:

Injuries are serious
Liability is disputed
Insurance offers are low
Medical bills are high
Future treatment is needed
You missed work
There are multiple parties
You are being blamed
The case may require expert witnesses

A lawyer cannot guarantee more money, but legal representation may help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.

Do All Personal Injury Cases Need a Lawyer?

Not always.

A minor accident with no injuries and simple property damage may not require an attorney.

But if you have injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term symptoms, a consultation may be useful.

Be Careful With Quick Settlements

A quick settlement may not include:

Future medical treatment
Lost earning capacity
Long-term pain
Medical liens
Specialist care
Surgery risks
Permanent impairment

Once you sign a release, you may not be able to ask for more money later.

How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

You can begin by checking state or local bar referral services. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that state bar websites generally have resources for the public looking for an attorney, and each legal case may require a lawyer suited to that specific problem.

You can also ask:

Friends or family
Local bar association
Trusted attorneys in other fields
Legal aid resources
Professional legal directories

Final Thoughts

Personal injury lawyer cost is usually based on a contingency fee, but every fee agreement is different.

Before hiring a lawyer, ask about percentages, costs, deductions, liens, and what happens if there is no recovery.

A clear fee agreement protects both you and the attorney.

Best Project Management Software for Small Business: Tools That Improve Productivity

Managing tasks, teams, and deadlines can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools. That’s where project management software for small business comes in. These platforms help organize workflows, track progress, and ensure projects are completed efficiently.

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Without proper organization, businesses risk missed deadlines and poor communication. Project management tools centralize tasks and improve collaboration.

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Using the right project management software can significantly improve productivity and business performance.

Authority Insight Section

Business experts recommend using reliable project management platforms and collaboration tools to streamline operations.