Harare loses millions in ‘ghost’ cattle farm

KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI

Harare City Council is reportedly losing millions of dollars in a ghost cattle farm with officials revealing that it has become a haven for looting, the commission of inquiry heard.

Officials say the city has over 3,000 cattle valued at approximately $1.5mn with hundreds slaughtered each month with the meat being sold and proceeds benefitting corrupt officials and councillors.

Evidence leader in the Commission of Inquiry set up by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to probe suspected cases of financial mismanagement and corruption in the capital city, Thabani Mpofu questioned suspended Town Clerk Hosea Chisango about the allegations of a ghost farm.

Chisango confirmed that the cattle ranch is operational but has become a target for looting due to a lack of oversight and proper management which has allowed some officials to exploit loopholes in the system.

“From your testimony, it is evident that there is a lack of accountability regarding these cattle which has allowed officials to exploit the situation by misattributing the deaths,” Mpofu quizzed.

Chisango confirmed the alleged looting.

“Yes, the cattle are valued at US$1.5m and it is true that there is a lack of accountability. Previously, we had a guard to oversee these cattle but they are now being looted by officials,” Chisango stated.

“The cattle ranch has become a paradise for looters among council officials,” he said.

Chisango acknowledged the need for a thorough audit of the situation, admitting that the cattle were not considered part of the council’s core business thus enabling opportunities for theft.

“Yes, there is an opportunity to loot those cattle, which I think should be stopped,” he said.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume however said the farm was serving its purpose and said Chisango must not mislead the commission.

“…but what we know is that we have cattle that we use as part of our sewer system. We water the grass, they process the grass and what goes to the rivers are the nutrients. It’s our treatment of liquid waste and we have been doing it for years,” he explained, adding that as the Town Clerk, it was Chisango’s duty to then address the challenges.

“The primary purpose of those cattle is for waste management; selling or using them for meat is a by-product of that process. We will tighten any loopholes if they exist,” Mafume added.

“The people making these revelations should have implemented systems to prevent such issues,” he said.