adminPamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF Bulawayo province has warned party officials who are allegedly extorting money from business people claiming that the funds are earmarked for the forthcoming by-elections that they face prosecution. The party’s provincial secretary for administration, Cde Nacisio Makhulumo yesterday said the provincial leadership had received disturbing reports about party members who were allegedly demanding money from business people without the party’s authority.
“It’s come to our attention that some party members, including district chairpersons are masquerading as provincial leaders and demanding money from businesspeople and members of the public.
“What’s disturbing is that some are threatening the businessmen with unspecified action if they refuse to comply with their demands,” said Cde Makhulumo.
“We’re already investigating a case in which a group of youths demanded $345 from a businessman, which they got after threatening him. These people are facing imminent arrest. The long arm of the law will catch up with them.”
He encouraged businesspeople to verify the authenticity of any letter that they receive from people who claim to be Zanu-PF members.
“Zanu-PF will never demand money from people or threaten people for not donating towards its programmes.
“We don’t operate like that. To protect businesspeople and members of the public I want to encourage them to verify with our offices whenever they are approached by suspicious people claiming to be Zanu-PF members,” added Cde Makhulumo.
He said the party’s secretary for finance is the only one who has the right to request donations in cash and kind from the business community.
In the absence of the party’s secretary for finance, the secretary for administration communicates with any well-wishers.
Cde Makhulumo said the party was putting measures to deal with the alleged extortionists as it intensifies its campaigns for the by-elections.
“We’re concentrating on winning the hearts of the people and the forthcoming by-elections. It’s unfortunate that some people, who have their own agendas, are choosing to tarnish the image of the party through unscrupulous and unacceptable activities,” he said.
By elections will be held in five Bulawayo constituencies: Makokoba, Luveve, Lobengula, Pumula and Mpopoma-Pelandaba after 21 MDC rebel MPs were recently recalled from Parliament.
Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube will represent the party in Makokoba constituency while Cdes Godfrey Malaba and Joseph Tshuma will contest in Pumula and Mpopoma-Pelandaba.
Cde Ntandoyenkosi Mlilo will contest in Luveve while Cde Maideyi Mpala will represent the party in Lobengula constituency.
Online Reporter