HARARE - A Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Mberengwa East is facing a money laundering charge after constituency development funds were allegedly routed to hardware companies in which he holds a shareholding he did not disclose.
According to reports, ZWG1.2 million in constituency development funds was directed to two hardware firms linked to the legislator. Part of those funds was subsequently paid out in United States dollars through a microfinance company connected to the transactions.
Authorities allege the MP concealed his ownership stake in the firms, steering public money toward his own business interests rather than community development projects as the funds are intended for.
Constituency development funds are public money allocated to parliamentarians for use in projects that benefit their constituencies. Misappropriation of these funds has been a recurring source of controversy in Zimbabwe.
The case adds to a pattern of high-profile corruption allegations in the country, which ranks poorly on global transparency indices despite repeated government promises to tackle graft.
Zanu PF has not issued a public statement on the matter. The lawmaker has not yet entered a plea in the proceedings, according to reports.
This report draws on coverage by ZimLive.
