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CHIEF Mvuthu of Hwange District has suspended four of his headmen over allegations of corruptly accepting a loan of $184,000 from a hunter.
The four headmen, Josephat Sipulila, Charles Mpofu, Margret Mzamba and Sikandi Moyo, are now likely to be charged with fraud and corruption.
Woodlands Farm has about 118 villagers who benefited from the land reform programme and are surviving on proceeds from hunting quotas.
There are fears the directors of the hunting entity operating in Woodlands could end up having monopoly rights at the expense of the 118 villagers, who are also up in arms with the community leaders.
Wrote Chief Mvuthu of Monde area in a letter to headman Sipulila dated January 22, this year:
“You are instructed to stop forthwith any meetings pertaining to hunting safari business of Woodlands Farm pending finalisation of investigations into a fraud case regarding your role in the matter concerning $184,000, which you received and accepted liability on behalf of the community. I shall commence due process through my police aide.”
Villagers have also accused the four headmen of using locally available resources for their personal interests.
“They went and accessed $184,000 from a prominent hunter, which they allegedly converted to their own use at the expense of the community. Boreholes are running dry because they are not being maintained while camp sites are in a sorry state yet the so-called community leaders squander money purporting to be doing farm projects,” said a villager on condition of anonymity.
Villagers said they feared losing their rights and whatever money they realise from the natural resources and hunting, if the “owner of the money comes demanding it.”
Councillor for Matetsi Ward, Elias Mzamba confirmed the suspension of the four headmen.
“It is true that Chief Mvuthu suspended four headmen from his area over allegations of corruption,” he said.
Woodlands Farm has been riddled by infighting resulting in villagers being divided into two warring factions. There are now two boards fighting for power.
Online Reporter