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Zanu-PF MP in beer scandal, granted bail
1 hr ago |
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Joel Sithole was on Thursday granted US$500 bail by the Masvingo Magistrates Court after being accused of diverting Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money for personal use, including spending on beer, groceries and hotel stays.
Sithole was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday over the alleged misappropriation of ZiG$1.2 million (approximately US$50,000) meant for development projects in his constituency.
According to prosecutors, the funds were disbursed in August last year for approved projects such as the construction of a classroom block and roofing of staff houses at Gwaseche Primary School and Makanani Clinic.
However, Sithole allegedly diverted the funds after conspiring with a co-signatory, Edson Chauke.
It is alleged that ZiG$850,000 was transferred to a local wholesaler for groceries, while an additional ZiG$418,516 was spent at shops, hotels and beer outlets.
Prosecutors further claim Sithole later attempted to cover up the alleged misuse by purchasing 100 bags of cement and a few roofing sheets for a different school to create the impression that project work had begun.
As part of his bail conditions, the court ordered Sithole to surrender his passport, remain at his registered address and report monthly to police in Chiredzi. He is expected back in court on April 24.
The case adds to growing scrutiny over the management of public funds by legislators. Earlier this year, Darlington Chiwa was also arrested over similar allegations involving misuse of CDF allocations.
Meanwhile, ZACC is reportedly investigating Tasara Hungwe over claims he transferred CDF funds to private companies before withdrawing cash through a microfinance firm.
The arrests have intensified calls for stronger oversight and accountability in the handling of Constituency Development Funds, which are intended to support grassroots development projects.
Sithole was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday over the alleged misappropriation of ZiG$1.2 million (approximately US$50,000) meant for development projects in his constituency.
According to prosecutors, the funds were disbursed in August last year for approved projects such as the construction of a classroom block and roofing of staff houses at Gwaseche Primary School and Makanani Clinic.
However, Sithole allegedly diverted the funds after conspiring with a co-signatory, Edson Chauke.
It is alleged that ZiG$850,000 was transferred to a local wholesaler for groceries, while an additional ZiG$418,516 was spent at shops, hotels and beer outlets.
Prosecutors further claim Sithole later attempted to cover up the alleged misuse by purchasing 100 bags of cement and a few roofing sheets for a different school to create the impression that project work had begun.
As part of his bail conditions, the court ordered Sithole to surrender his passport, remain at his registered address and report monthly to police in Chiredzi. He is expected back in court on April 24.
The case adds to growing scrutiny over the management of public funds by legislators. Earlier this year, Darlington Chiwa was also arrested over similar allegations involving misuse of CDF allocations.
Meanwhile, ZACC is reportedly investigating Tasara Hungwe over claims he transferred CDF funds to private companies before withdrawing cash through a microfinance firm.
The arrests have intensified calls for stronger oversight and accountability in the handling of Constituency Development Funds, which are intended to support grassroots development projects.
Source - Zimlive
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