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Zanu-PF MP squanders constituency funds on booze, groceries
12 hrs ago |
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Chiredzi West legislator Darlington Chiwa, who is facing charges of stealing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), has been remanded in custody to tomorrow by a Masvingo regional court.
Chiwa appeared before magistrate Caroline Nyoni yesterday on allegations of theft after he was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). He is accused of diverting funds meant for community development projects to personal use, including spending on beer, groceries, shoes and building materials.
The State alleges that Chiwa, who was chairperson of the Chiredzi West CDF committee, manipulated other committee members who were signatories to the constituency account. Prosecutors claim he coerced them into relinquishing their responsibilities, effectively leaving him as the sole signatory to the account.
According to court papers, in April last year Parliament of Zimbabwe transferred the equivalent of US$50 000 in ZiG currency into the Chiredzi West constituency account. Chiwa allegedly moved the funds into his personal account and proceeded to use them for personal benefit.
The prosecution claims that more than ZWG$990 000 was spent on non-project items such as building materials for private use, groceries, beer and shoes. Only about ZWG$270 000 is alleged to have been used for legitimate constituency development projects.
The State further alleges that Chiwa attempted to conceal the offence by submitting forged documents during the acquittal process, falsely indicating that the entire amount had been used for community projects. An audit conducted by Parliament reportedly uncovered discrepancies in the expenditure, prompting the matter to be referred to ZACC.
Chiwa is being represented by Charles Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Hwacha Legal Practitioners. The State, led by prosecutor Godfrey Mugondo, is opposing bail, arguing that the legislator may interfere with witnesses if released.
The matter returns to court tomorrow for further proceedings.
Chiwa appeared before magistrate Caroline Nyoni yesterday on allegations of theft after he was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). He is accused of diverting funds meant for community development projects to personal use, including spending on beer, groceries, shoes and building materials.
The State alleges that Chiwa, who was chairperson of the Chiredzi West CDF committee, manipulated other committee members who were signatories to the constituency account. Prosecutors claim he coerced them into relinquishing their responsibilities, effectively leaving him as the sole signatory to the account.
According to court papers, in April last year Parliament of Zimbabwe transferred the equivalent of US$50 000 in ZiG currency into the Chiredzi West constituency account. Chiwa allegedly moved the funds into his personal account and proceeded to use them for personal benefit.
The State further alleges that Chiwa attempted to conceal the offence by submitting forged documents during the acquittal process, falsely indicating that the entire amount had been used for community projects. An audit conducted by Parliament reportedly uncovered discrepancies in the expenditure, prompting the matter to be referred to ZACC.
Chiwa is being represented by Charles Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Hwacha Legal Practitioners. The State, led by prosecutor Godfrey Mugondo, is opposing bail, arguing that the legislator may interfere with witnesses if released.
The matter returns to court tomorrow for further proceedings.
Source - Sunday Mail
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