Chief Chiweshe grabs equipment from Mnangagwa, villagers

In a clear sign of routine disregard for traditional leadership ethical conduct, presidential schemes subbotage and loss of public trust at local governance level, Chief Chiweshe (born Mathew Chitemamuswe) in Muzarabani confiscated irrigation equipment and diverted (to personal use) other life-saving implements donated by the government under Village Business Units initiative; investigations have exposed.

Villagers and councillors in Muzarabani are now up in arms with Chief Chiweshe and have therefore lodged their report with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Agriculture.


Part of the looted and vandalized equipment

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of further victimisation, local councillors and villagers reported that Chief Chiweshe converted equipment donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa under Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme into personal use.

"We have several Village Business Units [VBUs] in our area and therefore kindly seek intervention from top officials, President's office and parent Ministry to intervene in quelling situation that has distorted the good deeds by our President," they said.

"Abusing his traditional leadership status, he confiscated everything that was meant to empower and transform our local communities. Some pipes have been vandalised and confiscated from benefiting the intended beneficiaries," the angry mob added.

"All implements meant for the VBUs under Presidential schemes have been taken. The supposed irrigation meant to benefit villagers is in a non-existent and sorry state," they added.

"The Chief is too corrupt and he summoned anyone who challenged his credibility and capacity to hold a continuous assumption for a public office in the capacity of a traditional leader. For instance, the VBU in Chitemamuswe Business Centre in ward 21, Muzarabani South; he confiscated everything," they reported.

"We were all put under surveillance and declared threats to his continuous looting of essentials meant to benefit the public. Any perceived opposition to his leadership will call for traditional chief summons or punishment for notoriety," they claim.

"Chief Chiweshe dismally failed the litmus test for good leadership and proved beyond any reasonable doubt that corruption is within his DNA," they claimed.

Meanwhile, Chief Chiweshe confirmed the development, but claimed that those allegations are a fabrication by his detractors and will therefore be arrested, severely punished and fined.

"Let me set the record straight, I did not take anything by force, but its part of the benefits that the government gave us," Chief Chiweshe said.

"I know the culprits who are trying to soil my name. However, I will severely punish them and make sure they get arrested; and those are real sell-outs who were liable to torture during the liberation struggle," Chiweshe fumes.

"Their days are numbered and I mean it. Why shouldn't you also seek comment from the District Administration officials rather than being used in these fights," Chiweshe added.

"Instead of training people on the best methods to improve tobbaco production, these guys are busy fighting with me. I will chop off their mouths like we did during the liberation struggle," Chiweshe said.