The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has
identified some of the culprits that are hoarding and selling grain and
mealie-meal on the black market, and arrests are expected soon.
There are reports shortages of mealie-meal are being
compounded by unscrupulous millers and retailers who are funnelling the
commodity to the parallel market.
Prices of subsided mealie-meal are pegged at $70 for a 10kg
bag, but the staple is selling for over $120 on the alternative market.
There were long queues at large retail outlets such as OK
and Pick n Pay in the capital last week as people lined up to buy the
subsidised roller meal.
ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure told The
Sunday Mail that the anti-graft body had identified some of the culprits
involved in the roller-meal scandal.
“There are intense investigations currently underway.
Several arrests will be made soon. It is a matter receiving utmost attention
from the commission.
“Some of the culprits are high profile in terms of the
quantum involved,” he said. “We always thoroughly investigate. Very soon you will see
for yourself.”
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi said the blitz against those involved in underhand mealie-meal deals had
intensified.
“We are aware that the shortages of mealie-meal is at the
heart of many Zimbabweans’ concerns and we have since launched a nationwide
operation.
“The operation is targeting the hoarding of mealie-meal as
well as those who are diverting it to the black market.
“We want to warn retailers and milling companies against
this practice and our officers are now on high alert across the whole country.
The full wrath of the law will catch up with them.”
He encouraged members of the public to report malpractices
in the distribution of mealie-meal.
Last week, Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe
chairperson Mr Tafadzwa Musarara was grilled in Parliament after he failed to
account for US$27 million which the association received from the Reserve Bank
of Zimbabwe to import wheat.
He could not provide evidence that the association used
part of the money to repair Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos. Sunday Mail
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