MPs warned against devolution funds abuse

The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a stern warning to lawmakers and local authority officials against looting devolution funds, declaring that "heads will roll" for those found abusing the facility.

The warning comes as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) intensifies investigations into Members of Parliament and local officials accused of siphoning funds earmarked for community development.

Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Tafadzwa Muguti, said Treasury has stepped up the disbursement of the constitutionally mandated five percent allocation of national revenue following improved fiscal performance.

He emphasised that the funds are strictly reserved for projects that directly benefit communities and should not be diverted for personal use.

"Devolution funds are for national projects. They are not for salaries; they are not for the personal welfare of legislators," said Eng Muguti.

He added that the funds are administered at local level by councillors and local authorities, but warned that central government would closely monitor their utilisation and intervene where necessary.

The Government says priority areas include water projects, school upgrades, construction of clinics, rehabilitation of libraries and maintenance of feeder roads to improve access to essential services.

"Heads will continue to roll for those who abuse devolution funds," Eng Muguti said, stressing that accountability mechanisms are being strengthened as disbursements continue.

Recent arrests by ZACC underscore the crackdown. Joel Sithole, a Member of Parliament for Chiredzi South, was arrested on allegations of abusing over ZiG1,2 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He is accused of diverting funds meant for community projects toward personal expenditures, including groceries and other items, before allegedly attempting to conceal the misuse.

In a separate case, Darlington Chiwa, the legislator for Chiredzi West, was arrested on allegations of theft after reportedly transferring constituency funds into personal accounts and using a significant portion for private purchases.

Authorities say both cases remain before the courts.

The crackdown forms part of broader anti-corruption efforts under the Second Republic, with officials signalling zero tolerance for misuse of public funds meant to uplift communities.