News / National
'All Zanu-PF vehicles must pay toll fees'
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Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has issued a stern warning to all Zanu-PF officials and members, reminding them that no one, including Government departments, is exempt from paying toll fees as required by the law. Charamba emphasized that even the Office of the President must adhere to toll obligations and that all government vehicles pay toll fees in advance, receiving toll certificates from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA), not exemptions.
Charamba's comments come in response to a recent incident in which a Zanu-PF-branded vehicle, belonging to Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa, was filmed bypassing a tollgate without paying the required fees. The incident was exposed by Matthew Takaona, a former Zimbabwe Media Commissioner and now consultant with The Mirror, who praised the publication for exposing the corruption at toll gates.
"There is nothing exempting party vehicles and drivers from meeting their toll obligations. All Government departments, the Office of the President included, make yearly payments to Zinara and get certificates for that facility," Charamba said. "No to tax abuse in the name of party logos. That's putting the ruling party into disrepute, and it's a dismissible offence according to party rules."
Charamba condemned the abuse of party vehicles and logos to bypass toll fees, calling it an act that undermines the party's integrity. He warned that any Zanu-PF members caught engaging in such activities could face expulsion from the party. He also lauded The Mirror for their role in bringing the issue to light, praising Takaona and his team for their efforts in exposing the unlawful conduct.
The vehicle, which was reportedly driven by Zaka South MP Chiduwa, was filmed by The Mirror photographer Nyasha Mariga as it passed through the tollgate without paying the toll fee. The Mirror crew later questioned the station supervisor, who admitted that the vehicle was in breach of the law. Police constable Chihoma from Masvingo Central Police was allegedly involved in assisting the driver to bypass the toll gate.
ZINARA responded swiftly, reiterating that no vehicles, including those belonging to political parties, are exempt from paying toll fees. The road authority clarified that police officers are fully aware of this rule and that all drivers, regardless of affiliation, must pay toll fees as required by law.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi referred all questions regarding the incident to ZINARA, reinforcing the message that toll obligations must be met by all road users.
Charamba's statement underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that all individuals and organizations, regardless of their affiliation, comply with tax laws. His remarks also serve as a reminder to political leaders that their actions have consequences, and any abuse of power or privilege will not be tolerated.
Charamba's comments come in response to a recent incident in which a Zanu-PF-branded vehicle, belonging to Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa, was filmed bypassing a tollgate without paying the required fees. The incident was exposed by Matthew Takaona, a former Zimbabwe Media Commissioner and now consultant with The Mirror, who praised the publication for exposing the corruption at toll gates.
"There is nothing exempting party vehicles and drivers from meeting their toll obligations. All Government departments, the Office of the President included, make yearly payments to Zinara and get certificates for that facility," Charamba said. "No to tax abuse in the name of party logos. That's putting the ruling party into disrepute, and it's a dismissible offence according to party rules."
Charamba condemned the abuse of party vehicles and logos to bypass toll fees, calling it an act that undermines the party's integrity. He warned that any Zanu-PF members caught engaging in such activities could face expulsion from the party. He also lauded The Mirror for their role in bringing the issue to light, praising Takaona and his team for their efforts in exposing the unlawful conduct.
The vehicle, which was reportedly driven by Zaka South MP Chiduwa, was filmed by The Mirror photographer Nyasha Mariga as it passed through the tollgate without paying the toll fee. The Mirror crew later questioned the station supervisor, who admitted that the vehicle was in breach of the law. Police constable Chihoma from Masvingo Central Police was allegedly involved in assisting the driver to bypass the toll gate.
ZINARA responded swiftly, reiterating that no vehicles, including those belonging to political parties, are exempt from paying toll fees. The road authority clarified that police officers are fully aware of this rule and that all drivers, regardless of affiliation, must pay toll fees as required by law.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi referred all questions regarding the incident to ZINARA, reinforcing the message that toll obligations must be met by all road users.
Charamba's statement underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that all individuals and organizations, regardless of their affiliation, comply with tax laws. His remarks also serve as a reminder to political leaders that their actions have consequences, and any abuse of power or privilege will not be tolerated.
Source - The MIrror
