The ManicaPost
Ray Bande and Liberty Dube Post Reporters
GOVERNMENT will descend heavily on unscrupulous individuals who are caught converting donations towards Chimanimani Cyclone Idai victims to personal use.
The warning by Government comes on the backdrop of a flurry of fundraising initiatives being undertaken by organisations and individuals across the country.
Unofficial mobilisation of donations has been going on since Cyclone Idai struck Chimanimani and some parts of Chipinge and is being done mainly through social media platforms.
Ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana, said the law will apply in a ruthless manner to people who will take advantage of the catastrophe and steal any of the goods.
“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Zimbabweans for their generosity and their open-heartedness. It is a good thing that we came up together as Zimbabweans and we are rallying behind the relief cause.
“Obviously, in situations like these, there are always the fringe minority who are going to be dishonest about things. There is just too much fundraising and relief and resource-raising with little or proper accountability.
“The President spoke about this on Wednesday when he said he would not brook any dishonesty and if there is anything that is meant for relief goes missing, the law will take its course. The law will apply in a ruthless manner,” he said.
Mr Mangwana urged well wishers to use formal channels in donating towards the Chimanimani Cyclone Idai victims.
“You cannot take advantage of a situation like this, a catastrophe of this nature to replenish your own pantry. We hope that people will use formal channels to give their donations, to give their aid and relief.
“The channels are the Ministry of local Government Makombe Building 7th floor or at the Manicaland Provincial Administrator’s offices where the command centre is. The donations are accounted and the receipts are given. They will be loaded and make sure that they reach the intended destination,” he said.
