MDC Alliance Makokoba constituency MP-elect James Sithole
has been reported to the police for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars
belonging to a local burial society in which he was the chairperson.
Sithole also stands accused of diverting for his personal
use 10 000 rand reportedly donated by MDC-T breakaway leader Thokozani Khupe
for the purchase of a stand for the construction of a parlour for the Makokoba
burial society.
The burial society was founded in 2010 by party supporters
in the constituency to assist members during funerals. The MP-elect also faces
charges of squandering a further $16 000 belonging to the burial society,
leaving it broke.
Khupe’s spokesperson Kharl Phugeni confirmed the 10 000
rand donation to the burial society by the former deputy prime minister to the
Makokoba constituency burial society.
In separate interviews, Makokoba burial society members
accused Sithole of dipping his hands into the society’s coffers leaving it broke,
but the MP-elect dismissed the allegations as malicious.
“I have been to the police after they reported me to the
security organ over these charges. The fact that I am not in prison is enough
evidence that my hands are clean.
“They are my political opponents pursuing an agenda to soil
my image after I defeated them in the just- held elections,” Sithole said in an
interview yesterday.
Former Makokoba burial society treasurer Margaret Sibindi
and other members, however, accused Sithole of embezzling funds belonging to
the society.
“Sithole did not return a single cent from the thousands
that he embezzled from the burial society,” she said.
Bob Muzondo, who was the burial society organiser, refuted
Sithole’s claims that they were “out to tarnish his image” after the July 30
elections.
“It is all about transparency and accountability,” he said.
“We are not at all jealous. We just want all the money he squandered that
belongs to the burial society,” said Muzondo.
Sithole is no stranger to allegations of dishonesty having
been suspended as ward 7 councillor by former Local Government minister Saviour
Kasukuwere alongside former deputy mayor Gift Banda and other councillors over
corruption involving land deals in 2016. Standard
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