Fraudulent inputs scheme sucks in Zanu-PF minister, MP

The resident minister for Mashonaland West Faber Chidarikire and Hurungwe East MP Sarah Mahoka have been sucked into a fraudulent scheme in which their names were allegedly used by a suspected fraudster to con several people of over $39 000.

Zakeyo Chirumezani, 38, who is the founder of a non-governmental organisation, Community Development Trust, based in Mvurwi, appeared before Harare magistrate Milton Serima on Friday, but will be back in court today for his bail application.

State counsel Sharon Mashavira alleged that Chirumezani defrauded communal farmers from Hurungwe, Chundu and Nyamukate areas under Chief Chundu between January 2013 and February 2014 under the guise that his NGO would assist them with agricultural inputs and transport.

The court heard that in pursuit of his plan, Chirumezani approached Chidarikire seeking authority to distribute agricultural inputs in the province.  

Chidarikire authorised the accused person to distribute the inputs.

Meanwhile, acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa has met various institutions in a bid to mobilise inputs to bail out about 15 000 farmers duped by Lasch Investments in a botched farming inputs scheme.

Zanu PF director of admin Dickson Dzora said the party was working flat out to ensure farmers were assisted.