PSYCHOMOTOR Activities minister and Masvingo strongman Josaya Hungwe has been accused of politicising welfare food in Masvingo’s drought-ravaged Mwenezi West district.
By Everson Mushava
Hungwe reportedly ordered the release of maize to Zanu PF Masvingo provincial member Priscilla Moyo, who is allegedly earmarked to contest the Mwenezi West seat in 2018 ahead of incumbent MP Lamon Matavire.
Moyo is the wife of Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa, Isaac Moyo.
The maize at the centre of controversy was allegedly taken from Grain Marketing Board Mwenezi’s Rutenga depot on April 20 on Hungwe’s orders.
But Zanu PF insiders said the staple food did not reach the intended beneficiaries, who are the orphans and the elderly, and instead, was distributed among Moyo and her campaign agents.
Moyo confirmed receiving the maize, but claimed that all wards were given their share as the distribution was done according to Hungwe’s instructions.
“I did what I was instructed by Cde Hungwe. I gave all the wards and the people I was instructed to give are the ones I gave,” Moyo said.
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“It is not true that I gave it to my campaign agents, it is still two years before the elections and I don’t even have campaign agents.”
Quizzed why Hungwe asked her to spearheard the distribution of food ahead of the sitting MP, Moyo said she was chosen simply because she was a party provincial executive member. Hungwe yesterday confirmed giving the order.
“We identify the needy people and write to the Public Service and Social Services ministry. We have identified them and she is the one (Moyo) we tasked to give the people in the province,” Hungwe said before hanging up.
Matavire confirmed the development yesterday, adding this was not the first time Hungwe had snubbed him.
“This is happening again, it pains me. I don’t know what wrong I have done. I am the most senior person in Mwenezi West, but Cde Hungwe always finds it good to bypass me and choose Moyo who will give her supporters in order to buy votes for the 2018 general elections,” Matavire said.
In other districts in Mwenezi, welfare food is being distributed by sitting MPs.
