Heifer Gate: ZANU PF Youth leaders embroiled in co...

Heifer Gate: ZANU PF Youth leaders embroiled in corruption scandal

Zim Now Writer

Two ZANU PF Mashonaland West Youth League leaders, Stembeni Madzima and Maringa Phiri, have found themselves in the crosshairs of the law after selling two heifers donated under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's pass-on scheme. The duo was suspended on Sunday during a Youth League meeting chaired by Tapiwa Masenda in Chinhoyi.

Madzima and Phiri were among 88 beneficiaries of Mnangagwa's benevolence, receiving the cattle in Chegutu, Mashonaland West, just last week. However, instead of rearing the beasts and passing on the offspring to other party youths as part of the economic empowerment program, they chose to make a quick profit by selling the cattle to butchers at a ridiculously low price.

The Presidential heifer project aims to economically empower youths, grow the national livestock herd, and ensure food security for vulnerable people, especially in rural areas. Beneficiaries are expected to pass on calves produced by the heifers to other farmers to continue the program.

This incident has raised concerns about corruption within the party, particularly given Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's recent statement that endemic corruption poses a security threat. The timing of the heifer project has also been questioned, with some interpreting it as a tactic to garner support for Mnangagwa's potential third presidential term bid.

Authorities from the President's Department have launched a full-scale probe into the matter, with Central Intelligence Organisation operatives working around the clock to identify other potential culprits. Sources indicate that some individuals may face arrest and imprisonment.