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Zanu-PF's Uzumba MP arrested for corruption
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Uzumba Member of Parliament Wiriranai Muchemwa (43) and Ward 15 Councillor Knowledge Chipindu (40) appeared in the Harare Magistrates Court today on charges of misappropriating US$12,000 worth of mealie meal donated to their community by a Chinese mining firm.
The pair, who face theft charges, did not enter pleas during their appearance before Magistrate Tildah Mazhande. They were remanded in custody until tomorrow, pending a bail application.
The alleged theft involved a donation by Black Cube Mining Company, represented by its human resources manager Wang Qun. The State, represented by Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleges that Muchemwa requested US$12,000 via WhatsApp on April 10, 2024, purportedly to establish a revolving fund for constituency infrastructure development for the period of April 2024 to April 2025.
Alleged Misuse of Donated Resources
A subsequent meeting included representatives from Black Cube Mining, Yang Sheng Mining, Inducorn, and other stakeholders. At this meeting, Muchemwa was informed that Black Cube and Yang Sheng would donate mealie meal for the project, while Inducorn pledged a cash donation of US$4,000.
The donated mealie meal was intended to be distributed during a Presidential address at Nhakiwa Business Centre in Murewa. To facilitate the donation, Black Cube Mining and its partners purchased 50 tonnes of maize from Paguyo Millers for milling and packaging into 40 tonnes of mealie meal.
According to the State, 20 tonnes of mealie meal were processed and delivered to Murehwa Milling Company for distribution. However, instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, Chipindu allegedly facilitated the sale of the mealie meal, diverting the proceeds.
The allegations have sparked outrage among constituents, who expected the mealie meal donation to benefit vulnerable families in Uzumba. The case has also drawn attention to the management of corporate donations and the accountability of public officials in Zimbabwe.
The court will hear the bail application tomorrow, as the State prepares to substantiate its charges against Muchemwa and Chipindu.
The pair, who face theft charges, did not enter pleas during their appearance before Magistrate Tildah Mazhande. They were remanded in custody until tomorrow, pending a bail application.
The alleged theft involved a donation by Black Cube Mining Company, represented by its human resources manager Wang Qun. The State, represented by Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti, alleges that Muchemwa requested US$12,000 via WhatsApp on April 10, 2024, purportedly to establish a revolving fund for constituency infrastructure development for the period of April 2024 to April 2025.
Alleged Misuse of Donated Resources
A subsequent meeting included representatives from Black Cube Mining, Yang Sheng Mining, Inducorn, and other stakeholders. At this meeting, Muchemwa was informed that Black Cube and Yang Sheng would donate mealie meal for the project, while Inducorn pledged a cash donation of US$4,000.
The donated mealie meal was intended to be distributed during a Presidential address at Nhakiwa Business Centre in Murewa. To facilitate the donation, Black Cube Mining and its partners purchased 50 tonnes of maize from Paguyo Millers for milling and packaging into 40 tonnes of mealie meal.
According to the State, 20 tonnes of mealie meal were processed and delivered to Murehwa Milling Company for distribution. However, instead of reaching the intended beneficiaries, Chipindu allegedly facilitated the sale of the mealie meal, diverting the proceeds.
The allegations have sparked outrage among constituents, who expected the mealie meal donation to benefit vulnerable families in Uzumba. The case has also drawn attention to the management of corporate donations and the accountability of public officials in Zimbabwe.
The court will hear the bail application tomorrow, as the State prepares to substantiate its charges against Muchemwa and Chipindu.
Source - sundaymail
