According to Orirando Manwere, NAC Communications Officer, individuals from an organisation called Tiritose Arts and Theatre from Domboshava, have been approaching residents, particularly in the low density areas, looking for money. Manwere said in September 2011, two suspects collected over $3000 from people living in Milton Park, Belvedere and Gunhill. The men were arrested following a tip off from NAC officials.
On January 23, a resident from another low density suburb in Harare called the NAC offices to verify the identity of two suspects from Uhuru Arts and Theatre in Highfields who were seeking donations for people living with HIV. The men disappeared when they heard that their credentials were being checked with the NAC.
“The suspects usually carry genuine information and educational material about HIV and AIDS which they get from registered AIDS service organisations,” said Manwere.
Tiritose Arts have been using a donation collection sheet with NAC landline numbers printed on it. Manwere said several groups in the area were operating similar systems and informed residents that the NAC collects an AIDS levy from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) through the tax system.
Post published in: Health