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Zanu-PF Uzumba MP granted bail
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Uzumba Member of Parliament Wiriranai Muchemwa (Zanu-PF) and his accomplice, ward 15 councillor Knowledge Chipindu, have been granted US$300 bail each after being charged with defrauding a Chinese mining company, Black Cube Mining, of US$12,000.
The two appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, represented by advocate Taona Sibanda. They were ordered to report to the police once a week and instructed not to interfere with State witnesses. The matter has been remanded to February 6 for further investigations.
The Allegations
State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje outlined that on April 10, 2024, Wang Qun, representing Black Cube Mining, received a request from Muchemwa for a US$12,000 donation. Muchemwa allegedly claimed the funds were needed for infrastructure development projects in Uzumba constituency.
Following a meeting, Wang agreed to provide the funds. In addition, the company donated mealie-meal, which Muchemwa and Chipindu claimed was to be distributed to villagers during a presidential rally at Nhakiwa Business Centre in Murehwa.
However, the donated mealie-meal was allegedly repackaged with South African brand labels and sold. Chipindu reportedly engaged Murehwa Milling Company to facilitate the sale, which raised US$10,179.
Discovery of Fraud
In August 2024, Wang was approached by another Zanu-PF councillor, Lovemore Matanhire, seeking donations for his area. Wang informed him that the company had already contributed US$12,000 to the constituency earlier in the year. Matanhire, however, stated he was unaware of any such donation.
Suspicious of misappropriation, Wang filed a complaint with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). Investigations led to the arrests of Muchemwa and Chipindu, who failed to account for the US$12,000 and proceeds from the mealie-meal sale.
Legal Proceedings
The accused duo is expected to return to court in February, as investigations into the alleged misuse of funds and donations continue. The case highlights concerns about corruption and the alleged misuse of political influence for personal gain.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has reiterated its commitment to tackling graft in both public and private sectors, with this case serving as a test of its resolve to enforce accountability.
The two appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, represented by advocate Taona Sibanda. They were ordered to report to the police once a week and instructed not to interfere with State witnesses. The matter has been remanded to February 6 for further investigations.
The Allegations
State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje outlined that on April 10, 2024, Wang Qun, representing Black Cube Mining, received a request from Muchemwa for a US$12,000 donation. Muchemwa allegedly claimed the funds were needed for infrastructure development projects in Uzumba constituency.
Following a meeting, Wang agreed to provide the funds. In addition, the company donated mealie-meal, which Muchemwa and Chipindu claimed was to be distributed to villagers during a presidential rally at Nhakiwa Business Centre in Murehwa.
However, the donated mealie-meal was allegedly repackaged with South African brand labels and sold. Chipindu reportedly engaged Murehwa Milling Company to facilitate the sale, which raised US$10,179.
In August 2024, Wang was approached by another Zanu-PF councillor, Lovemore Matanhire, seeking donations for his area. Wang informed him that the company had already contributed US$12,000 to the constituency earlier in the year. Matanhire, however, stated he was unaware of any such donation.
Suspicious of misappropriation, Wang filed a complaint with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). Investigations led to the arrests of Muchemwa and Chipindu, who failed to account for the US$12,000 and proceeds from the mealie-meal sale.
Legal Proceedings
The accused duo is expected to return to court in February, as investigations into the alleged misuse of funds and donations continue. The case highlights concerns about corruption and the alleged misuse of political influence for personal gain.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has reiterated its commitment to tackling graft in both public and private sectors, with this case serving as a test of its resolve to enforce accountability.
Source - newsday
