Online Reporter
Online Reporter
Officials from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) are searching for Macklaren Tshuma, a former ward clerk for Ward 21 in Filabusi, after he allegedly led a protest petition challenging the payment of allowances in local currency instead of in foreign currency.
The petition, reportedly submitted by Tshuma alongside a group of former ward clerks, has sparked concern within the commission.
A ZEC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development:
“After submitting the petition demanding that allowances be paid in foreign currency, Mr Tshuma went on to open a police case, alleging kidnapping and assault. However, the police closed the case due to lack of evidence. Since then, our attempts to contact Mr Tshuma for an interview regarding his allegations—including the issue of local currency payments—have been unsuccessful.”
Authorities say Tshuma’s disappearance has complicated efforts to address the grievances raised by the former clerks, as well as to clarify the circumstances surrounding the now-closed criminal complaint.
“We are eager to hear from Mr Tshuma himself so we can investigate all his concerns thoroughly because there is a danger of him bringing the association into desrepute, starting with the payment dispute,” the ZEC official added.
The official revealed that this was not the first time these allegations had surfaced as while the incident took place in March 2008, it also came out in 2018, so now ZeC were eager to get to the bottom of the matter hence their interest in locating Tshuma.
The source said the protest could have been a malicious attempt to destroy the name of Zec hence they wanted to interview those behind the petition.
As of Tuesday, ZEC officials say they are appealing to anyone with information on Tshuma’s whereabouts to come forward, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and due process in resolving the matter.
