Salvation Army sends audit team to Howard

mission hospital to Canada in August this year.
Reports say that Dr Thistle was being victimised for unearthing massive fraud and embezzlement of funds by the church’s territorial commander for Zimbabwe, Commissioner Vinece Chigariro and her clique.
Comm Chigariro has distanced herself from the alleged abuse and said the claims were unfounded and only meant to tarnish her image and reputation.
In an interview yesterday, an official from the Salvation Army International Headquarters in London confirmed in a telephone interview that three auditors had been sent to Zimbabwe, but could not give further details.
“We have people who have come there, but as the headquarters were don’t want London to give statements,” said the official who requested anonymity.
“Contact the Salvation Army headquarters in Harare they can issue a statement. But generally we are making progress.”
Sources at Howard Hospital said the auditors arrived on Thursday last week and were busy with their work.
“Three auditors came last week and one went back to Harare, but the two are still here working on the books,” said the source who declined to be named for fear of victimisation.
Another insider said patients seeking medical assistance had drastically declined since the departure of Dr Thistle.
“The wards are virtually empty and we only have three or four patients a day.
“We used to be overwhelmed by patients numbering over 100 per day and wards were always full,” the source said.
Problems at the mission hospital started after the Salvation Army ordered Dr Thistle to relocate to Canada.
This saw hundreds of villagers in Chiweshe demonstrating against the reassignment of Dr Thistle, saying he was dedicated to serving the Chiweshe community.
Dr Thistle is still in Zimbabwe and could not be drawn to comment on the issue.
“I am still bound by the church oath not to speak to the Press,” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Comm Chigariro were fruitless as she is reported to be outside the country on business.