Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sacked his Health Minister Obadiah Moyo for “inappropriate conduct” over a $60m (£48m) medicines supply scandal.

Mr Moyo was dismissed “with immediate effect for conduct inappropriate for a government minister”, a statement issued by the president's chief secretary, Misheck Sibanda, said.

The minister has not responded to the allegations.

Information ministry spokesperson Nick Mangwana tweeted the statement:

Last month, Mr Moyo was arrested on charges of corruption and abuse of office in connection with a coronavirus equipment procurement scandal, but was later released on bail.

He has been accused of awarding three contracts for drugs, testing kit and protective equipment to a company that had failed the vetting process.

The supplies were sold at inflated prices, with face masks costing nearly $30 each.