Former Deputy Minister Douglas Karoro And GMB Official Stand Trial For Alleged Misappropriation Of Agricultural Inputs
The fraud trial of former Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Douglas Karoro and GMB Mushumbi Pools depot assistant manager Lovejoy Ngowe began with testimony from GMB’s regional enterprise risk officer.
The pair are accused of misappropriating agricultural inputs valued at US$43,000 under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, intended for farmers in Mbire constituency. Testifying in court, the regional enterprise risk officer highlighted irregularities in the transportation and distribution of the inputs, as the trucks used were not contracted by GMB, and there were no proper records of distribution. The trial was adjourned to March 11.
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Karoro allegedly collected seed from Ngowe multiple times, falsely marking them as intended for needy constituents, and later converting the seed for personal use. Ngowe was found in possession of maize seed at his residence, leading to a loss of US$18,030 for GMB.
Furthermore, in March 2022, Karoro and Ngowe allegedly failed to deliver 5,000 vegetable combo kits worth US$25,000 to GMB Mushumbi Pools, diverting them for personal use instead. Ngowe instructed subordinate staff to falsify records, leading to further losses for GMB.
