Garwe dismisses claims of extortion targeting headmen

Daniel Garwe has dismissed reports alleging that headmen and village heads are being compelled to pay money to officials at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for their protection.

In a statement, Garwe described the claims as false and malicious.

"The Minister of Local Government and Public Works wishes to categorically dismiss as false, malicious, and fraudulent reports circulating in some sections of the public domain alleging that headmen and village heads are being forced to pay money to the ministry's headquarters," he said.

Garwe stressed that no traditional leader is required to make any form of payment to the ministry.

"The ministry wishes to state that no chief, headman, or village head is required or instructed to make any form of payment to the ministry," he said.

He added that the ministry operates strictly within the framework of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Traditional Leaders Act, and all applicable public finance management laws.

According to Garwe, any legitimate financial processes involving traditional leaders are conducted through formal government systems and procedures.

The ministry urged members of the public and traditional leaders to disregard what it termed unfounded allegations.