Online Reporter
George Maponga
Masvingo Bureau
Chiredzi West legislator, Darlington Chiwa, who is facing charges of stealing Constituency Development Funds (CDF) has been remanded in custody to tomorrow by a Masvingo regional court.
He is alleged to have squandered the funds on beer, shoes, groceries and building materials. Chiwa yesterday appeared before magistrate, Ms Caroline Nyoni, facing theft charges after he allegedly diverted CDF money meant for community projects.
He allegedly diverted the money to personal use resulting in his arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
The Chiredzi West legislator was represented by Mr Charles Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Hwacha.
The State, represented by Mr Godfrey Mugondo, is opposing bail fearing Chiwa might interfere with witnesses.
Allegations against Chiwa are that as chair of Chiredzi West CDF committee, he manipulated other members of the community who were signatories to the constituency account to rescind their tasks so that he could remain the lone signatory.
It is alleged that sometime in April last year, the Parliament of Zimbabwe transferred an equivalent of US$50 000 in ZiG currency into the constituency account.
Chiwa allegedly moved the money into his personal account and used the funds for personal benefit.He is alleged to have used over ZWG$990 000 to buy building materials, groceries, beer and shoes, among other items.
According to the State, Chiwa only used around ZWG$270 000 for constituency projects.
It is the State’s case that the Chiredzi West parliamentarian tried to conceal the offense by submitting forged documents for acquittal pretending to have used all the money for constituency development projects.
An audit by Parliament revealed the alleged discrepancies, leading to Chiwa being reported to ZACC.
Peter Tanyanyiwa