Zanu PF warns over donation scam

Zanu PF has warned members of the public and the business community against fraudsters posing as party officials to solicit money, saying those behind the scam will face the full force of the law.

Addressing a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa said the party had received numerous reports of individuals impersonating officials from its Information and Publicity Department to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

According to Mutsvangwa, the fraudsters have been demanding varying amounts of money, with some victims reportedly losing as much as US$4,000.

"We have taken note that there are people who are calling members of the public and soliciting different amounts of money in the name of the Zanu PF Information Department.

"We have received complaints from quite a number of people who have been duped into paying various amounts of money, some as much as US$4,000.

"When we try to reach those who claim to have been sent by the party, their mobile numbers are no longer reachable," he said.

Mutsvangwa stressed that the party's Information and Publicity Department does not solicit funds from individuals or businesses, adding that its operations are financed through the party's established funding structures.

He urged members of the public, the business community and party supporters to verify any requests for donations with the party headquarters before making payments.

Mutsvangwa said the party has clear procedures governing fundraising and financial contributions.

"If anyone has received a phone call soliciting funds, we advise them to report the number to the nearest police station, as this is an ongoing challenge. The department does not contact anyone to solicit money.

"Therefore, if anyone has been duped into sending money, or has sent money in the belief that they were sending it to the Information Department, please make a police report so that these matters can be investigated and the culprits brought to book," he said.

He reiterated that the Information and Publicity Department does not engage in fundraising on behalf of the ruling party.

"As the department of the party, we rely on the Party Treasurer for all our work so that at no time do we serve sectional interests.

"We serve only the interests of the President and the party, and, of course, the membership of Zanu PF at large in Zimbabwe. We strive to do so without fear or favour.

"We therefore maintain our integrity as the Department of Information and Publicity. We are not part of the other matters that you hear about from left, right and centre. We are not," Mutsvangwa said.

The ruling party appealed to anyone who has fallen victim to the scam, or who receives suspicious requests for money made in the name of Zanu PF, to report the matter to the police to enable investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.