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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
POLICE are ready to launch an intensive investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds at Zifa if an official report is made, a senior officer said yesterday.
It was reported last week that Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze might have misappropriated about $30,300 he borrowed from clubs and affiliates without authorisation from the national association.
All the borrowings do not appear in the Zifa financial books, raising fears that Mashingaidze could have abused his office to commit the alleged fraud.
He allegedly borrowed $10,000 from Zifa Southern Region Division One side Bulawayo Chiefs in 2012, $5,000 from the Northern Region, $10,000 from the Zimbabwe Referees’ Committee and took balls worth $5,300 on credit from a Bulawayo sports shop.
It also emerged yesterday that the Zifa Central and Eastern Regions were also not spared, although the amounts have not been revealed.
All the borrowings do not appear on the creditors’ list.
The police said they had been following the developments keenly but their hands were tied in the absence of a complainant.
“Our Serious Fraud Squad will naturally be eager to work on the Zifa matter if a report is made. The complainant doesn’t necessarily have to be from Zifa, but anyone who writes to the Commissioner-General.
“The CG will immediately order an investigation as you know that we’ve a zero tolerance stance towards corruption,” said the officer, a police commissioner who however, asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the press.
Repeated efforts to get a comment from national police spokesperson Charity Charamba were in vain as her mobile phone rang unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Sports and Recreation Commission SRC), who have already described the happenings at Zifa House as a serious threat to national interests, will tomorrow announce their formal position on the football mother body.
SRC director-general, Charles Nhemachena said they had made a decision but needed to first consult before going public.
“We should be issuing a statement on Friday (tomorrow) as we’re now just consulting with our principals so that they endorse the position we’ve taken,” said Nhemachena yesterday.
Although he declined to shed more light, indications are that the suspension of Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda, board member for finance Bernard Gwarada and 12 other assembly members would be reversed.
The 14 were suspended for attending the May 16 Zifa councillors’ meeting that resolved to oust the national association’s president Cuthbert Dube and board members Tawengwa Hara and Fungai Chihuri, both trusted lieutenants of the Zifa boss.
World football governing body, Fifa has indicated that it is closely monitoring the unfolding Zifa turmoil.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo