Minister Contradicts Self, Concedes Zanu PF In $ 3 Million Debt

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| The ruling party, Zanu PF, has failed to settle a $ 3 million debt incurred during the Bikita West By-election campaign programme, it has emerged.

After boasting of Zanu PF’ s invincibility in Mwenezi at the weekend, the party’s secretary for administration, Ignatius Chombo, later contradicted himself and conceded the revolutionary party was broke.

Party sources revealed to ZimEye.com Chombo told Zanu PF officials after the rally held at Avhunga Secondary School the ruling party had no cash to settle the debt.

The debt ballooned to $ 3 million due to unpaid printing and transport bills, party officials said.

“Chombo was grilled by Minister (Shuvai) Mahofa over the debt and he said the party was broke and the coffers were empty,” said a party official.

Chombo also conceded the party could not print posters for Mwenezi East Candidate, Omar Joosbi because of bankruptcy.

Ironically Chombo donated $5,000 which he claimed was his personal money.

Angry Zanu PF members accused senior party members of dumping Omar ahead of the Saturday by-election.

“We do not know where the money is going. We are totally confused. Although we understand there are unsettled bills incurred during the Bikita West campaign programme, we feel there is no commitment towards the Mwenezi East By-election,” said a disgruntled party official.

Although Omar could not be reached for comment on the matter, party officials in Mwenezi said the businessman was using his personal resources to bankroll activities in the constituency.