Simbarashe Hlabati, an opposition councilor representing Zibagwe Ward 7, has filed a lawsuit against a Zanu PF proportional representation councilor for allegedly soliciting $800 from distressed villagers to cover transportation costs for maize designated for drought relief.
Hlabati accuses Rita Masiyambiri, the proportional representation councilor, along with Social Welfare officers J Govera, Mukondo, Thomas Ncube, and Trymore Huni, of colluding to reject free transportation secured by Hlabati for the maize distribution.
Hlabati is seeking a court order to prohibit the aforementioned individuals from participating in future welfare distribution within the ward and to compel them to reimburse the villagers for the funds collected. Additionally, Hlabati requests an investigation into the actions of the defendants.
Drought relief assistance is typically provided to villagers at no cost, given their financial constraints, including limited access to food.
The legal action was initiated at the Kwekwe Civil Court under case number KkGL 163/24.
Hlabati asserts that, as the councilor of the area, he arranged for a truck to transport the grain to the ward through the support of a donor. However, the respondents declined this offer and instead opted for a hired truck.
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“On May 2, 2024, Hlabati and Mukozho (the applicants) observed the respondents collecting $800 from beneficiaries of the drought relief program.”
“This application seeks to prevent respondents 1 to 6 from unilaterally assuming control of future grain distribution processes, and also requests the honorable court to mandate the respondents to reimburse the collected funds to the beneficiaries.”
“The applicants also request an order to prevent Govera and Mukondo (Social development officers) from overseeing future food aid programs and to direct the relevant authority, as mandated by the Constitution, to initiate investigations into the job description of Social development officers,” stated the court application.
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