(NEWZIMBABWE) MPs face prosecution for fraud

MPs face prosecution for fraud
05/11/2011 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter

AT least 12 legislators are facing possible prosecution for fraud after allegedly misappropriating up to US$50 000 allocated to constituents by the government through the Constituency Development Fund.

Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Eric Matinenga is expected to present a report before parliament, possibly leading to the prosecution of the suspects whose names have been withheld pending the completion of investigations.

An audit by the ministry found that the 12 legislators – drawn from both Zanu PF and the MDC-T – used the funds to issue personal loans while others spent it on undisclosed ‘goodies’.

Acting permanent secretary for the ministry, Virginia Mabiza said preliminary investigations suggested the MPs had embarked on “a self-enrichment spree”.

“Our audit team is still finalising the report. It is, however, clear that several legislators abused the facility,” she told The Sunday Mail.

“It appears the concerned members went on a self-enrichment spree, obviously spending lavishly and spoiling themselves on goodies.”

Mabiza added that after the ministry received returns for 173 out of 210 constituencies at the end of October, it was clear more lawmakers were involved in conduct “bordering on fraud, improper use and dishonesty”.

“While we wait for the affected MPs to respond, our position remains that a crime has been committed and, soon, the law must take its course,” she said.

“Of course, such cases of suspected fraud have come up. However, some members have done well. The projects our teams have seen show that the money was put to good use.”

Another 37 MPs were presently receiving expert assistance after failing to submit returns before the October 21 deadline claiming they were not conversant with the procedures.

"Some of the MPs have said they cannot compile returns on their own. That is the reason why we have availed our team of experts to assist them," Mabiza said.

Finance Minister, Tendai Biti allocated the CDF some US$8 million in his budget last year with each constituency getting US$50000.

The fund is supposed to be administered by committees comprising the local legislator, two councillors and district administrators and used to finance development projects in their respective constituencies.