ZANU PF PC Accused of Looting Food, Fuel Meant for Dr Tungwarara Rally

Itai Mazire

The ZANU PF Makoni District Coordinating Committee (DCC) has accused the party’s Provincial Chairperson, Albert Nyakuedzwa, of looting food hampers and thousands of litres of fuel meant for an empowerment rally to be hosted by Dr Paul Tungwarara, in a scandal that has shaken the ruling party’s provincial structures.

The DCC alleges that Nyakuedzwa, who is also the Member of Parliament for Makoni South, diverted food hampers and about 6 500 litres of fuel mobilised for the Dr Paul Tungwarara empowerment rally, which had been scheduled for last week.

According to the accusations, Nyakuedzwa allegedly compelled fuel supplier Petro Trade to inflate a fuel invoice to 11 000 litres, despite fuel worth only 3 500 litres reportedly being used for rally logistics. The remaining balance is alleged to have been unlawfully taken.

The alleged theft is said to have disrupted preparations for the rally, which was intended to distribute food hampers and support empowerment initiatives targeting party supporters and vulnerable communities.

Dr Paul Tungwarara is a prominent businessman and philanthropist who has been spearheading empowerment programmes under the ruling party’s banner. These initiatives include the distribution of food hampers, fuel and seed packs aimed at cushioning communities against economic hardship while strengthening grassroots mobilisation.

The programmes have attracted large crowds across several provinces, making the Makoni rally a high-profile event within party circles.

Party officials say the alleged diversion of resources has angered grassroots members, with growing calls for an urgent investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Nyakuedzwa had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication, and provincial party leaders were yet to issue an official statement.