US Slaps Sanctions On Leading Zimbabwe Businessman

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on one of Zimbabwe’s top businessmen and political operators, accusing him of abetting corruption that plagues the nation.

The move against Kudakwashe Tagwirei comes days after Zimbabwe thwarted protests called by a small opposition party over graft and a slumping economy.

Calling Tagwirei “notoriously corrupt,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States wants “a stable and democratic Zimbabwe.”

“Our actions today demonstrate to the government and people of Zimbabwe that the United States does not tolerate public corruption and will promote accountability for perpetrators of public corruption,” he said.

Tagwirei’s company, Sakunda Holdings, has managed a farm subsidy for the government and failed to account for $3 billion, according to a parliamentary audit.