Speaking at a function in Gutu last week, Bhasikiti said he would not hesitate in dragging corrupt traditional leaders to court for demanding gifts and bribes from their subjects – a practice, he said, that had destroyed the country’s traditional fabric.
“I have received several reports of chiefs who are demanding fuel for their cars, food, goats, money and even grocery items from their subjects,” said Bhasikiti. “We are going to drag to the courts several traditional leaders who want to destroy our culture.”
The minister said some corrupt traditional leaders were enjoying themselves while punishing their subjects for no apparent reason.
“We have amongst ourselves traditional leaders who are selfish, self-centred and greedy. They just focus on what is of benefit to them, ignoring the majority whom they claim to represent,” he said.
The minister said he would soon convene a meeting with all the traditional leaders in Masvingo province with the aim of weeding out the corrupt.
“Our people are trying to make ends meet, but some traditional leaders are snatching away the little they have,” said Bhasikiti.
Several traditional leaders in Masvingo have been named in a scam in which they allegedly abused free farming inputs given by the government. Last year, chief Phineas Makore of Gutu had to be stripped of his chieftainship after it emerged that he had abused the free farming inputs facility.
Chief Simon Mugabe of Masvingo was also named as one of the people who profited from the scheme. He was however cleared of any wrongdoing after he argued that his aides were the ones who abused the facility without his knowledge.
Post published in: News
Perhaps Sir when you drag these petty thieves to Court you would also include the likes of Mnangagwa, Chihuri and The Generals who have been engaged in corruption at the highest level for the last thirty years, or is that too big a task for you?