By 
Prominent businessman Edward G. Cross has issued a press statement acknowledging and apologizing for allegations he made linking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s family to widespread corruption in Zimbabwe.
The recent statement of apology, comes days after a nationwide stay-away on March 31st, which Cross initially attributed, in part, to public dissatisfaction with corruption.
In the statement, Cross details an interview with a South African television station on Monday, March 31st, where he stated that dissatisfaction with the very substantial corruption taking place across the country was a reason for the stay-away, and further alleged the President’s family was involved.
Cross states that he subsequently requested a meeting with President Mnangagwa on Tuesday, where he apologized unreservedly for involving the President’s family.
According to the statement, the President expressed concern about the general corruption allegations and asked Cross to provide substantiation. Cross agreed to present a dossier. On the issue of his children, the President reportedly asked for names, and Cross identified three of his sons.
The press statement continues, outlining a follow-up meeting on Wednesday at State House with the three sons implicated. Cross admits that during this discussion, he outlined what he was hearing but could not provide firm evidence to support these allegations and rumors.
He states that he again apologized and would retract his statement regarding the President’s children.
The March 31st stay-away saw a large number of Zimbabweans staying home, resulting in closed businesses and schools in major cities, despite government assurances of safety and calls for citizens to continue with their daily activities.
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