News / National
Tsvangirai's office denies aide abused government funds
10 Apr 2013 at 22:13hrs | Views
PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's office has denied reports an aide of the premier fraudulently claimed some US$1,500 in travel and subsistence allowances for a trip to South Africa he never undertook.
Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka was quoted by state media confirming the arrest of Edgar Gobvu, 27, adding the official would be brought court once investigations had been concluded.
"We are investigating the allegations that he fraudulently claimed traveling and subsistence allowances purporting that he was part of PM Tsvangirai's entourage to South Africa on March 22, but in actual fact he did not undertake the journey for which he claimed US$1 500," said Mandipaka.
"When the PM's delegation left Harare International Airport, Gobvu was not part of the delegation. He remained behind but surprisingly did not withdraw his passport from Edward Gudhe who allegedly facilitated to have the passport stamped by immigration officials upon departure at Harare International Airport and on arrival and departure at OR Tambo International Airport."
However, Tsvangirai's spokesman, Luke Tamborinyoka on Wednesday said the allegations were "part of the demonization campaign (against the PM's office) which is slowly gaining momentum as it usually does towards elections in the country."
"The facts are that are on 22 March , while driving to the airport en route to South Africa, the Prime Minister instructed Gobvu to remain behind since the trip had been changed to a one-day trip," Tamborinyoka said in a statement.
"By the time Gobvu was ordered to stay behind, his passport had already been processed together with the delegation's passport batch at the Harare International Airport.
"Gobvu stayed behind and surrendered his money to the Finance department at the Prime Minister's office. As we speak, the money has long since been remitted to the Treasury account."
Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka was quoted by state media confirming the arrest of Edgar Gobvu, 27, adding the official would be brought court once investigations had been concluded.
"We are investigating the allegations that he fraudulently claimed traveling and subsistence allowances purporting that he was part of PM Tsvangirai's entourage to South Africa on March 22, but in actual fact he did not undertake the journey for which he claimed US$1 500," said Mandipaka.
"When the PM's delegation left Harare International Airport, Gobvu was not part of the delegation. He remained behind but surprisingly did not withdraw his passport from Edward Gudhe who allegedly facilitated to have the passport stamped by immigration officials upon departure at Harare International Airport and on arrival and departure at OR Tambo International Airport."
"The facts are that are on 22 March , while driving to the airport en route to South Africa, the Prime Minister instructed Gobvu to remain behind since the trip had been changed to a one-day trip," Tamborinyoka said in a statement.
"By the time Gobvu was ordered to stay behind, his passport had already been processed together with the delegation's passport batch at the Harare International Airport.
"Gobvu stayed behind and surrendered his money to the Finance department at the Prime Minister's office. As we speak, the money has long since been remitted to the Treasury account."
Source - MDC-T
