The paper says that according to the vehicle maker’s South African website the purchased Ford Everest vehicles cost between R384,800 to R450,800. Based on the number of vehicles the newspaper believes has been purchased, this equates R100 million, or US$10 million.
Newsday says ZANU PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo confirmed the development but would not provide more details.
The paper went on to say that on Saturday, several aides of a number of politicians from Matabeleland and elsewhere were seen driving the brand new cars. Some of the candidates seen with these new cars, by the paper, included Bubi outgoing legislator Clifford Sibanda, the aspiring candidate for Bulawayo Central Mlungisi Moyo and Godfrey Malaba who is after the Pumula seat.
Some senior party members like Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu sent their aides to collect the vehicles on their behalf.
Newsday said they had received some reports that aspiring candidates used the vehicles as pirate taxis, to raise the money for fuel. One of them said: “Some of us went with fuel coupons when we went to collect the vehicles. I think some just went thinking the party would pour fuel and were found wanting when they discovered that it was not the case.”
“Some were forced to carry people along the way so that they could raise money to buy fuel.” Meanwhile the Herald has reported that ministries have been ordered to surrender their government vehicles by Tuesday, so that they can be used for the election period.
The Public Service Commission chairman, Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah, said those who defy the order would have the vehicles impounded by the police.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has been requested to stop and impound unsurrendered vehicles with effect from Wednesday 24th of July 2013 and to immediately escort the vehicles to the nearest CMED or Public Service Commission office.”
The vehicles range from one-tonne trucks, 10-tonne trucks, single cabs, twin or double cabs to all utility vehicles. – SW Radio Africa
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