Zanu PF chefs loot Christmas goodies donated to old people's homes

SOME Zanu PF activists in Chinhoyi have been accused of looting Christmas goodies donated to old people's homes and children's orphanage centres in the city.

Chinhoyi deputy mayor Dereck Matapuri and Chengetai Old People's Home founder Florence Ndlovu confirmed the development during the handover of Christmas presents at Good Shepherd Orphanage Centre on Christmas Day.

"We hear that some people are following us taking the goods we would have had donated. We want to rectify that problem as the intended beneficiaries are being deprived of the donated goods," Matapuri said. Ndlovu identified two of the culprits as Lainos Chauke and one Chitate.

"Yesterday, there was somebody by the name Chauke (Lainos) and Chitate, who came and took most of goods donated by individuals. This Chitate came daily to take bread meant for the elderly," Ndlovu said.

Zanu PF Ward 4 councillor Ignatius Zvigadza described the incidents as callous, adding that alleged looting was caused by the absence of legitimate boards to run the affected centres.

"There are these allegations of abuse of donated goods which came to us and we have engaged the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and some traditional donors who have withdrawn their support citing irregularities and unnecessary bickering. Very soon we will find a solution, but firstly, we are going to have a general meeting where a proper committee will be elected," Zvigadza said.

Last week, Chinhoyi Mayor's Christmas Cheer Fund raised $8 000 that was equally shared among four old people's homes and orphaned children centres on Christmas Day.