ZACC arrests Chiredzi South legislator over alleged CDF abuse

The Zimbabwe Anti‑Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Chiredzi South Member of Parliament Joel Sithole on allegations of abusing his office by misappropriating more than ZWG 1.2 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).


According to a statement posted on ZACC’s X account, Sithole allegedly received ZWG 1 234 150 (equivalent to US$50 000) from Parliament in August 2025 for development projects in his constituency. The funds were earmarked for the construction of a classroom block and roofing of staff houses at Gwaseche Primary School and Makanani Clinic.

ZACC said Sithole, who chairs the CDF committee and is a signatory to the fund’s bank account, diverted the money instead of using it for the intended projects. Investigators allege that Sithole, acting together with Edson Chauke — who is still at large — transferred ZWG 850 000 from the CDF account to a local wholesaler to purchase groceries.

The commission further alleges that Sithole spent an additional ZWG 418 516 at grocery shops, hotels and beer outlets.

“To conceal the alleged misappropriation, Sithole later purchased 100 bags of cement and a few roofing sheets for a different school to create the impression that project work had commenced,” ZACC said.

Sithole is expected to appear before the Masvingo Magistrates’ Court on 26 March 2026.