Zimbabwe’s acting president Phelekezela Mphoko says there is nothing wrong with top state officials draining money from the national fiscus to finance Zanu PF activities.
Mr. Mphoko made these remarks in Kent, Norton, where he was addressing a Zanu PF rally ahead of a parliamentary by-election pitting a party candidate and Themba Mliswa, a former ruling party provincial chairperson.
He said some of the money siphoned from the government was used for feeding people, who are facing hunger.
His sentiments were echoed by Zanu PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere who said those people using stage funds to back the ruling party are defending the country’s sovereignty.
“… We are the government in power. We cannot be removed from power by people who have been given money by foreign governments … Other governments are trying to remove the Zanu PF government. Zanu PF will use government funds to defend our government as well. So, if you want to arrest us for using state funds to defend the government we are prepared to go to Chikurubi. Arrest us all …”
Professor Jonathan Moyo is accused of using state funds derived from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF), a tertiary education entity, to sponsor Zanu PF programs, including First Lady Grace Mugabe’s nationwide rallies a few months ago, and for purchasing bicycles for traditional leaders in his Tsholotsho constituency.
Professor Moyo has acknowledged that he used the funds for such purposes instead of channeling it towards college students’ programs.
At the same time, Mphoko has dismissed suggestions that he recently blocked the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission from arresting Professor Moyo.
Commission chairperson Goodson Nguni said indications are that the money that was sourced by Professor Moyo from state coffers was allegedly abused.