Govt officials loot food aid
SIFISO MAPURANGA
Officers in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in Guruve, Mashonaland West Province have been arrested for allegedly stealing food aid intended to cushion villagers from the catastrophic consequences of the drought, it has been learnt.
The officers- Mutsa Sibanda (36) and Mazvitaishe Maisiri (26)-are alleged to have stolen 31 bags of wheat intended to be distributed to villagers in Guruve, Ward 19 under the Government’s Rural Food Aid and Urban Cash Transfer programs.
The pilfering of the food aid happened on 12th of August at Negomo Primary School in Guruve,.
Headman,Chairperson Kazunga of Ward 19, raised the alarm.
“The food aid that was brought to us was 1087 bags of wheat. Social welfare officers were the ones who compiled the list of people to receive the food .
Upon arrival at the school they ordered us as headsmen never to come near or interfere with the distribution processes,” Headman Kazunga said.
He added: “Most people over 60 years old were left out on the distribution list.”
“I engaged the local Ward 19 Councilor with a list of complaining vulnerable elderly and we presented it to the social welfare officer to say please assist these people if they may die of hunger.
But, we were told not to interfere.”
Inspector Milton Mundembe, the provincial spokeswoman for Mashonaland Central, confirmed the theft and stated that the case was filed under case number CR 76/07/24 .
“I can confirm a case of theft involving social welfare officers that occurred during this month in Guruve where they misappropriated 31 bags of wheat meant for food aid and are currently in custody.
“We continue to appeal to the members of the public to supply the police with tips, as this will enhance transparency and we are grateful to the local leadership for cooperating with the police in this regard,” Mundembe said.
