adminAshley Mujoma
POLICE have warned farmers against abusing the Presidential Inputs Scheme, saying they face arrest and prosecution.
The warning was issued yesterday during a joint press conference by the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), Agritex and police in Harare. National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said recipients should not sell or purchase Presidential inputs, as it’s a serious offence.
“We urge all people not to purchase or sell Command Agriculture inputs since they are not for resale, but for agricultural purposes only, and those who will be found in unlawful possession of the inputs will be arrested,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi said a number of people have already been arrested. “Recently, police and other security services intercepted a Toyota Ace truck and arrested three suspects, Tavonga Chikuni, 18, Maizivei Themba, 33, and Maizivei Gariyakumwe, 43, in connection with 35 x 50kgs of Compound D fertiliser meant for Command Agriculture valued at $129 000.
“ZRP Chikombedzi arrested Allan Benzini, 39, for possession of 104x50kgs of Compound D fertiliser which had been given to farmers under the Presidential farming input scheme at Chikendle hardware, Chiredzi.
“Police have since recovered the fertiliser,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi added: “Police in Plumtree acted on a tip-off and arrested Christine Pfunde, 47, Faith Ncube, 50, and Rita Mathe, 48, for unlawful purchase and possession of Presidential agricultural inputs.
“The suspects were intercepted by police at Plumtree town bus terminus while loading 88x50kgs of Compound D fertiliser into a Harare-bound bus from a Toyota Hiace vehicle.”
GMB chief executive, Rockies Matenha, urged beneficiaries of the inputs scheme not to pay truck drivers, since it’s GMB’s responsibility.
“As GMB, we contracted GMB trucks, GMB is responsible for transportation of the inputs from the depot to the ward.
“The transporter will be paid by the GMB and farmers should not pay truck drivers,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter