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PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has fired Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister, Douglas Karoro, for inappropriate conduct.
In a statement, released by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, yesterday, read:
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe in terms of Section 340, subsection (1), paragraph (1) of the constitution of Zimbabwe has, with immediate effect, removed Honourable Douglas Karoro (MP) from Office of Deputy Minister of Government for conduct inappropriate for a Deputy Minister,” Sibanda’s statement reads.
Karoro was hauled to court last week to answer to fraud allegations.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the former Deputy Minister committed the offence in connivance with Mushumbi Depot acting manager, Lovejoy Ngowe, who has also appeared in court.
The State alleges that the abused inputs came from Mushumbi Pools Depot in Mbire, Mashonaland Central, and were intended for farmers.
It is alleged that last month, Karoro approached Jeremy Phiri, and told him he was looking for buyers for 700 bags of Compound D fertiliser at US$16 per 50kg bag.
Phiri is said to have contacted Widdorn Chiodza, who was interested in buying the fertiliser.
On April 21 Phiri, according to the State, met Chiodza, who handed over US$10 700, almost the full price.
It is alleged Phiri took this money to Karoro, who told him that the fertiliser was at GMB Mushumbi Depot.
Karoro allegedly contacted Ngowe and advised him he would send trucks to collect the fertiliser.
Chiodza collected the fertiliser and offloaded it at his homestead.
It is alleged Zimunya then called Chiodza to return the fertiliser, saying the deal had not gone according to plan.
Chiodza allegedly refused and only agreed after a visit by Mugove Chidamba, who then collected only 400 bags of fertiliser.
Karoro and Chidamba are alleged to have decided to swap the fertiliser with Ammonium Nitrate at Aspindale GMB.
Chidamba allegedly sourced another 300 bags of Compound D from Farm and City.
Online Reporter