By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Gweru – What began as an internal review into misuse of company resources has snowballed into a full-blown corporate crisis at Simbisa Brands, with disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and ethical breakdown at senior management levels.
Leaked documents from a recent internal investigation have exposed a toxic culture within the Gweru branch, implicating key executives notably operations manager Bekezela Sibanda in both sexual harassment and corruption-related activities.
While the report initially focused on irregularities in the redemption of expired meal vouchers, including the fraudulent use of October 2024 coupons in April 2025, investigators quickly unearthed deeper and more disturbing claims.
Among them, multiple allegations of unwanted sexual advances, coercive behaviour, and abuse of power directed at junior female staff. One employee alleges she was physically grabbed and kissed by Sibanda in his office a claim that formed part of the damning dossier submitted to Simbisa headquarters.
The investigation also flagged favouritism and sexual exploitation, with Sibanda accused of offering favourable job placements or transfers in exchange for intimate relations. Another senior executive, Mthulisi Moyo, franchise area manager for Chicken Inn, was named in the report for allegedly engaging in relationships with subordinate staff, raising serious questions about professional boundaries and ethical conduct.
Simbisa Brands has since dismissed Sibanda after he was found guilty of breaching the company’s code of conduct. The internal report called his actions a “serious violation” of workplace ethics, especially given his senior position.
While Moyo’s status within the company has not been clarified, the scandal has triggered a wave of public concern about corporate accountability and employee vulnerability in Zimbabwe’s fast-food sector and beyond.
“This isn’t just about individuals it’s about a broken system where power dynamics go unchecked,” said a corporate governance expert in Harare.
The revelations have reignited national debate about workplace protections, particularly for junior employees in industries with rigid hierarchies and poor oversight. Advocacy groups are urging Zimbabwean companies to implement external audits, anonymous whistleblower channels, and clear anti-harassment training at all levels of staff.
Simbisa, which oversees some of the country’s most popular fast-food chains, has yet to issue a detailed public statement beyond confirming Sibanda’s dismissal. Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful.