Zanu PF Councillor Arrested for Stealing Food Aid in Mhondoro-Mubaira
by Priviledge Zviregei
Police are investigating a Zanu PF official in Mhondoro-Mubaira for the alleged theft of food aid meant for drought relief in the district.
Linet Chirwa, who is the Zanu PF councillor for ward 5 in Mhondoro-Mubaira, and several Chegutu Rural District Council officials are among the suspects. It is alleged they stole several bags of maize that were supposed to be distributed to those affected by the drought.
According to a villager who spoke on condition of anonymity, the police were able to recover some of the stolen maize, which was found “stashed inside empty coffins” at the home of one of the suspects. It is reported that some of the stolen maize was also sold to teachers at a local primary school.
Chirwa has admitted that she was arrested along with four others in connection with the theft of the food aid. A police source confirmed that an investigation into the matter is ongoing and the suspects will appear in court soon.
Mashonaland West Proportional Representation MP Mutsa Murombedzi hailed the arrest of the Zanu PF official, saying it was a “welcome development” in the fight against systemic corruption. Murombedzi described the incident as an “appalling act of corruption” that “directly undermines the welfare of the most vulnerable members of the community in Mhondoro who desperately need this aid.”
Zimbabwe is currently facing a food crisis following the El Niño-induced drought that has hit Southern Africa. This incident has prompted calls for stronger anti-corruption frameworks, better oversight, and more severe penalties for those found guilty of such crimes, in order to restore faith in public institutions and ensure that such betrayal of trust does not recur.
