Chinotimba is a Zanu (PF) activist said to have political ambitions and is reportedly using the grain to woo voters ahead of the next general elections set for 2013.
The youths were reportedly riled by corruption among the party leadership in the province who were tasked with distributing the food.
“Chinotimba told us he donated 10 tons of maize yet what we are seeing is very little,” said a man who identified himself as Brian Chapanduka.
Out of anger, the youths threatened to defect to the MDC.
“We told them that we are going to vote for Tsvangirai in the next election if they continue being corrupt,” said Chapanduka.
Chinotimba said he was not aware of the issue but confirmed that he secured about 10 tons of maize which he said was meant to benefit people from three wards.
It could not be established where Chinotimba obtained the maize from.
There have been reports of Zanu (PF) members using their influence to hoard maize from the grain loan and later distributing them to villagers as a way of courting their votes.
However, a source close to the district leadership said those tasked with distributing the food had deliberately withheld the grain so as to give the impression that Chinotimba was a liar.
“They have done so to discredit him because he is blocking some members from contesting with him in the coming Zanu (PF) primary election,” he said.
Post published in: News