News / National
Minister hints on ghost war veterans
11 Oct 2016 at 07:18hrs | Views
The number of surviving war veterans is not known as a majority of them are dying at a fast rate, War Veterans, War Collaborators and Ex-Political Detainees minister Tshinga Dube has said.
According to Dube, the 34 000 figure was not accurate raising possibilities that the there could be ghost war veterans who are siphoning monthly payouts.
He said despite the deaths, the official number under government records has remained the same over the years.
"We have 34 000 registered war veterans but with the way they are dying due to illness and old age, it's difficult to ascertain their numbers" admitted Dube.
"We also have 5 000 detainees and restrictees."
War veterans are entitled to an average of $200 per month pensions.
According to Dube, the 34 000 figure was not accurate raising possibilities that the there could be ghost war veterans who are siphoning monthly payouts.
He said despite the deaths, the official number under government records has remained the same over the years.
"We have 34 000 registered war veterans but with the way they are dying due to illness and old age, it's difficult to ascertain their numbers" admitted Dube.
"We also have 5 000 detainees and restrictees."
War veterans are entitled to an average of $200 per month pensions.
Source - Byo24News
