ZANU-PF’s Corruption Unveiled as Party Councillor Speaks Out

Mazowe Ward 6 councillor Shamie Sande, recently arrested for alleged theft of fertilizer under Zimbabwe’s Presidential input scheme, has delivered a scathing rebuke against fellow ZANU-PF members, calling them corrupt and describing them as “vagabonds.”

The incident, which escalated from his personal arrest, has unveiled deep-seated tensions within the party and speaks to broader issues that the nation has long been grappling with—corruption, greed, and the manipulation of resources for personal gain.

Sande’s leaked audio conversation with co-accused Gonhi district party chairperson Tichaona Sorotiya exposed his fury toward ZANU-PF leaders, accusing them of living off corruption.

His statement, “The majority of ZANU PF guys survive on corruption,” cuts deep into the heart of what many perceive as the reality of Zimbabwe’s political landscape. For a sitting councillor to make such bold assertions speaks to the fractures within the ruling party that many have only speculated about in hushed tones.

What’s perhaps more concerning is Sande’s claim about kangaroo courts being run by the District Coordinating Committee (DCC). He likened the situation to a desperate, poverty-driven leadership, labeling them as “dogs” who feed off exploiting ordinary people.

In a nation where political maneuvering often supersedes actual governance, Sande’s words point to an internal decay that could have long-term ramifications for ZANU-PF’s ability to retain its grip on power.

His anger was palpable when he compared politics to a “dirty game,” further solidifying the sentiment of disillusionment. Whether or not his accusations hold merit, what cannot be ignored is the sheer brazenness of his declarations and what they reveal about party dynamics.

Sande’s arrest may seem like a localized issue, but the implications are national. When a key player within the ruling party levels such grave accusations against his own, it not only tarnishes the party’s image but also raises questions about the integrity of its leadership across all levels.

In light of Sande’s outburst, it is crucial to reflect on other recent scandals involving ZANU-PF figures. Take, for instance, the case of ZANU-PF’s Insiza North MP Farai Taruvinga, embroiled in a high-profile gold dispute.

The legal wrangling over an unpaid US$3.6 million debt in gold deliveries showcases yet another instance where the nation’s resources are allegedly mishandled by those in power. The case exposes the underbelly of Zimbabwe’s political elite, involved in million-dollar transactions while the average citizen struggles with economic hardships.

At the center of this dispute is Trade Rivers Investments, Taruvinga’s company, which agreed to repay a loan in gold but failed to meet its obligations. Despite the steep rise in international gold prices, Taruvinga’s firm reportedly delivered only a fraction of the gold owed, leaving a massive gap.

This case is currently before Zimbabwe’s High Court, highlighting the persistence of legal challenges involving ZANU-PF’s influential members. As the court summons plays out, the implications for Taruvinga and his business associates loom large, with the possibility of having to repay either the gold or its equivalent in U.S. dollars.

What connects these two scandals is a narrative of systemic exploitation within ZANU-PF. Whether it’s a party councillor accused of stealing fertilizer meant for a community agricultural project or an MP embroiled in a multimillion-dollar gold dispute, the common thread is the manipulation of national resources for personal gain.

In a country where trust in political leadership is already low, these revelations deepen the cynicism felt by many Zimbabweans toward the very people who are supposed to uplift them.

Sande’s bold remarks, though shocking, reflect a sentiment growing in many circles: that ZANU-PF’s internal rot is becoming increasingly difficult to hide. His statements about party leaders surviving on corruption suggest a deep-seated problem that can no longer be swept under the rug.

Furthermore, the legal entanglements of figures like Taruvinga only add fuel to the fire, reinforcing perceptions that those in power are more concerned with enriching themselves than serving the nation.

Zimbabwe’s political landscape is not immune to such power struggles and internal conflicts. The recent history of ZANU-PF has been punctuated by factionalism, power grabs, and public scandals.

However, when figures within the party start speaking out—whether driven by frustration or an attempt to shift blame—the cracks become visible to the entire nation. If unchecked, these cracks could destabilize the party’s unity, affecting its long-term hold on Zimbabwean politics.

As Zimbabweans continue to observe these scandals unfold, the questions they ask remain the same: Can a party built on such foundations of greed and corruption continue to lead? What does it mean for the future of the nation when those at the helm seem more invested in personal gain than in public service? And perhaps most importantly, how long will the people allow this to continue?

Both Sande’s arrest and Taruvinga’s gold dispute are reminders of a deeper issue—a governing system that too often appears to prioritize personal wealth over the common good.

The consequences of such actions will likely continue to ripple through Zimbabwean society, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political and economic landscape. Whether ZANU-PF will weather this storm or find itself further weakened remains to be seen.