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196,35 when he joined the inclusive Government in 2009, contrary to what he told some sections of the private media on Tuesday that he got a second-hand vehicle.
Mr Tsvangirai — who in a public relations piece sought to deflect attention from increasing reports of his love for the good life that saw him go on expensive boat cruises and stay in expensive hotel suites, some costing upwards of several thousands a night — claimed he leads “a humble life.’’
However, documents in our possession show that Mr Tsvangirai received a brand new official Mercedes-Benz from CMED (Private) Limited on February 6 2009, which was collected by a Mr Kunaka.
The vehicle had a delivery mileage of just 28km on the odometer and was bought from Zimoco in Harare, production order number 0864910022.
Read some remarks on the CMED vehicle issue voucher: “Initial issue to State residence attached to Prime Minister with spare wheel, wheel spanner, jack handle, manual, triangles, radio and television sets.”
The car has engine number 27296531099893 and chassis number WDD211562A259880 and was bought by the Government in 2009 .
However, speaking to a local private paper on Tuesday, PM Tsvangirai lied that he was allocated a second-hand vehicle which often broke down, a situation he said was not expected of a person of his office.
He claimed: “When I came into Government, I was given a second-hand Mercedes-Benz which is now broken down. It has been replaced by another second-hand vehicle. So for people to allege that a Prime Minister facing such challenges is living large, really defies logic.”
However, sources at CMED (Private) Limited privy to the goings-on, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals, revealed that the premier was not faithful to Zimbabweans given that he was among the people who received vehicles with the lowest mileage.
“We do not buy second-hand vehicles for ministers and senior Government officials. Even if their cars have a breakdown, we do not issue them with battered cars.
“We have a fleet of vehicles that are reserved for senior officials which are fairly new,” they said.
Investigations by The Herald yesterday revealed that the PM’s official car’s so-called defects were a result of poor handling by people entrusted with the vehicle as well as 
forcing it to travel in poor road conditions like travelling to his village in Buhera.
The Herald found out that the PM was also allocated an all-terrain vehicle, an armoured Land Cruiser.
A delivery note of the PM’s Mercedes-Benz from Zimoco with operator’s instructions were clear that the vehicle was supposed to be given proper care and not to be used in unapproved conditions.
“In the case of vigorous operations or use mainly in city traffic or over short distances, frequent mountain driving, poor roads, dusty and muddy conditions, trailer operation, it may become necessary to carry out maintenance work at more frequent intervals. Therefore under typical Zimbabwean operating conditions, Zimoco recommend that the first free service be carried out at 10 000 km or six months and every 10 000 km thereafter,” reads part of the manual.
However, the CMED official said most of the people who got their vehicles at the same time with the PM did not have any problems and their vehicles were still in tip-top condition.
“Most of the minor problems detected on the PM’s car are a result of poor handling by users. The car was involved in an accident and tail lights were damaged. Its grill was also damaged. He also wants the car to be repainted because we are told he wants to buy it. Last time it was here because it had fuel pump problem. These cars should not be used while indicating empty on the fuel gauge because they damage the fuel pump, that is why we allow the senior officials to have fuels accounts with the CMED,” said the official.
However, Mr Tsvangirai spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka insisted his boss was allocated a second hand maroon Mercedes Benz in 2009.
“What we know is the PM was given a second-hand Mercedes Benz in 2009 and that has not been changed. Some of his colleagues in Government have been changing vehicles every year.
“Considering the nature of his job, it’s not surprising that the car is now having problems. If some of the problems are a result of poor usage, why is it that information is being given to the Herald instead of educating the people who are using the car?” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter