Zimbabwean Fugitive Arrested in Portugal Over Multi-Million-Litre Fuel Scam

Fuel Dispenser Pump (image source)

In a major development that highlights the global reach of anti-corruption enforcement, Zimbabwean businessman Tawanda Hairwadzi (43) has been arrested in Portugal in connection with a high-profile fuel fraud involving over one million litres of fuel intended for a Zimbabwean government ministry.

The arrest was confirmed by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi on July 9, 2025, bringing a four-year international manhunt to a close.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Tawanda Hairwadzi on 9 July 2025 in Portugal in connection with a case of Theft of Trust Property,” Nyathi stated.

Hairwadzi and his wife, Shungu Mwashaireni Hairwadzi, co-own Eptha Energy [Private] Limited, a fuel transport company at the center of the scam.

Fuel Meant for Government Disappears

According to investigators, Eptha Energy was subcontracted by Addax Energy [Private] Limited in August 2021 to transport two million litres of fuel to a government department. Between August 1 and November 30, 2021, Addax delivered 1,040,000 litres of fuel, worth approximately US$743,600, to Eptha Energy for distribution.

“Investigations later revealed that Eptha Energy had not delivered the fuel and had since ceased operations,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Following the disappearance of the fuel, the Hairwadzis reportedly fled Zimbabwe, triggering an INTERPOL Red Notice and a coordinated global manhunt involving regional and international law enforcement.

Extradition and Legal Fallout

With Hairwadzi now in custody in Portugal, extradition proceedings are underway to return him to Zimbabwe, where he is expected to face charges of Theft of Trust Property and Fraud. His arrest comes amid growing public pressure to crack down on white-collar crimes that have long plagued public procurement systems.

The case has drawn national attention for the sheer volume of missing fuel and its critical impact on government logistics and public services, particularly during a time of economic stress and recurring fuel shortages across Zimbabwe.

A Wake-Up Call for Transparency in Procurement

This incident has renewed scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s energy sector and government contracting processes, where mismanagement and corruption have long been reported.

“This arrest demonstrates that no one is above the law,” said a Harare-based legal analyst. “It shows the growing importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling sophisticated economic crimes.”

Civil society organisations have echoed these sentiments, calling for:

• Independent audits of government supply contracts

• Real-time tracking systems for fuel deliveries

• Public disclosure of tender awards and contractor performance

• Strengthened laws against procurement fraud and asset theft
  

The Bigger Picture: Reform and Deterrence

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is continuing its investigation into possible accomplices, both within the fuel distribution network and among public officials who may have aided or ignored the fraud.

For many observers, this case is emblematic of deeper structural issues in Zimbabwe’s public resource management—and a clear call for reform.

While the successful arrest of Tawanda Hairwadzi is being lauded as a significant win for accountability, much remains to be done to restore public trust and ensure the transparent and ethical use of national resources.