Karoi farmer takes Agritex officers to neighbours'...

Karoi farmer takes Agritex officers to neighbours' fields in cover up of inputs scam

Zim Now Writer

A Karoi-based farmer, Lyton Ngunga, appeared before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of fraud.

Ngunga is accused of misrepresenting his farming capacity in order to obtain government-issued farming supplies.

The government, through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, partnered with Agriex in a programme to support farmers for the 2023/24 season. Agritex was tasked with assessing crops and recommending top-dressing fertiliser for contracted farmers under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority.

Prosecutors allege that between November 2023 and February 2024, Ngunga falsely claimed he had the capacity to farm 100 hectares of maize. Based on this claim, he received farming inputs for the entire 100 hectares from Arda. Ngunga, however, allegedly only utilised the inputs on a 20-hectare plot, diverting the remaining supplies for personal gain.

Authorities became suspicious in February 2024 when Ngunga misdirected Agritex officers to inspect fields that did not belong to him. This resulted in a report stating Ngunga had planted maize on 50 hectares without irrigation facilities. Following this incident, Agritex was instructed to halt issuing Ammonium Nitrate to farmers lacking irrigation.

Ngunga’s alleged fraudulent activities came to light when he requested Agritex to reassess his farm. He reportedly fabricated a story about having irrigation for a 50-hectare maize plot. Agritex officers, however, discovered the deception and refused to endorse his false claim. Undeterred, Ngunga allegedly obtained a forged recommendation letter to acquire Ammonium Nitrate for the non-existent 50 hectares.

As a result of Ngunga’s actions, Arda is estimated to have suffered losses of 200 bags of compound D fertiliser, 200 bags of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, and herbicides for 50 hectares. The court denied Ngunga’s bail application, and the case has been postponed to April 5, 2024.