BULAWAYO -- Residents here have joined in calls for an investigation into corruption allegations against Local Government Minister Ignatious Chombo, Documents show that Chombo has interests in several farms, mines, hunting safari lodges in Chiredzi, Hwange, Magunje and Chirundu, as well as properties in South Africa. Local properties include several residential and commercial stands across the country and a fleet of luxury vehicles.
The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) says it is demanding an investigation into Chombos activities and it welcomed reports that MPs are going to officially probe him. The Sunday Times of South Africa last week reported that a dossier, compiled by councillors and private investigators, is being circulated among MPs regarding Chombo.
A spokesman for BPRA said: Dr Chombo is alleged to own vast properties inside and outside the country yet thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans are living on the precipice of poverty. Residents have proposed that the minister be relieved of his duties pending the inquirys findings.
Other resident associations in the country are also baying for an official investigation of the ministers wealth.
Eddington Mugowa from the Highfield Residents Trust said they also want Parliament to investigate Chombo. The legislators are decision makers. They must investigate and take action, he said.
Both the MDC-T and MDC 99 have blasted Chombos wealth acquisition, with the MDC-T arguing that there is no way an honest person in high office could have acquired such riches, other than through abuse of office.
Last week Simba Makoni, leader of the Mavambo Kusile Dawn party, also joined the attacks on Chombo, calling for all Ministers to be investigated, from Robert Mugabe down to the last deputy.
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