Mathibelais is
under intense scrutiny from within the association’s ranks following
allegations that he received a fleet of vehicles that included Toyota GD6s and
Acquas from a Zanu PF benefactor under unclear circumstances.
Some of the
vehicles, sources said, were operating through a taxi company in Bulawayo.
According to
sources, the vehicles were collected from a local dealership in Harare.
The alleged
sudden accumulation of wealth has sparked outrage among members of Mathibela’s
faction, and they have pressed him to explain his source of income.
War vets fear
he may have been “bought” to abandon his critical stance on the ruling party.
In an audio
recording sent to executive members, Mathibela defended his wealth, citing what
he claims is a US$16 million five-year contract with the Bulawayo City Council
for road, sewer, and water reticulation works as the source of money.
“I have
individuals coming to our association, and there is fierce conversation to
tarnish my image, but most dangerously, in an effort to remove me from the
position of chairmanship,” Mathibela said in the recording.
Mathibela said
he was a businessman who ought not to be questioned about where he got his
wealth from.
“Whilst I am
the chair of this association, it doesn’t mean I am not working,” he said. “I
have a contract in Bulawayo to repair roads, sewer, and water reticulation. It
has nothing to do with the association. I am doing it to make a profit ....
"
He added:
"I have not asked any other member how they are making a living. We meet
over issues of our welfare, but on a daily basis, what we do or how much we
make has nothing to do with the association...”
“If you want to
pass a vote of no confidence, go ahead, that is the least of my worries, but
what will you benefit?”
Mathibela later
confirmed the existence of the audio to The Standard and said he wanted to
“allay fears among his comrades” that he had been bought to silence criticism.
He said he had
entered a contract with Bulawayo City Council through his construction company
Murena Private Limited.
“In all
honesty, my private business is not for public consumption,” he said.
“I shared that
information with my executive.
“I wanted to
allay their fear by simply saying, ah No, apart from leading an association, I
have a life of my own with my family and I do hustle like everyone else, but I
am not in the dealing business."
Asked whether
Bulawayo City Council had a contract with Mathibela, Bulawayo mayor David
Coltart said he was not aware. Standard
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