Tagwirei donates 300 vehicles to Zanu-PF

Businessman and Zanu-PF benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei yesterday donated 300 vehicles to the ruling party's Central Committee members, with additional vehicles earmarked for politburo members and other top officials expected within the next two weeks.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa handed over the first batch of 30 vehicles at State House, Harare, describing them as party property to be used exclusively for advancing Zanu-PF's mobilisation and grassroots programmes.

The donation follows closely on the heels of a controversial politburo meeting where Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga called for the arrest of Tagwirei, alongside Wicknell Chivayo, gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya, and GeoPomona boss Delish Nguwaya. Chiwenga alleged that Tagwirei siphoned at least US$3.2 billion through Zanu-PF's 45% stake in Sakunda Holdings.

Mnangagwa emphasised that the vehicles remain Zanu-PF assets and should be used solely to further the party's mission. The donation comes after Tagwirei contributed US$3 million towards the annual Zanu-PF conference scheduled in Mutare next month.

Sources indicate that Tagwirei, a committed Seventh Day Adventist, is planning further donations, including vehicles for all politburo members, top six provincial leaders, political commissars, and district coordinating committee chairpersons.

Over the past seven years, Tagwirei has donated approximately US$20 million to Zanu-PF, cementing his position as one of the party's key financial supporters. His recent co-option into the Central Committee under Harare Province reportedly faced resistance from some party officials.