The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Chiredzi South Member of Parliament, Joel Sithole, on allegations of abusing public office after he allegedly misappropriated over ZWG 1.2 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
According to ZACC, Sithole received ZWG 1,234,150.00 (equivalent to US$50,000) from the Parliament of Zimbabwe in August 2025 for community development projects in his constituency.
“The funds were earmarked for key projects, including the construction of a classroom block and the roofing of staff houses at Gwaseche Primary School and Makanani Clinic,” ZACC said in a statement.
However, investigations allege that Sithole, who chairs the CDF committee and is a signatory to its bank account, diverted the funds for personal use.
“Investigations established that the accused, acting in common purpose with one Edson Chauke, who is still at large, transferred ZWG 850,000 from the CDF account to a local wholesaler for the purchase of groceries,” ZACC said.
Authorities further allege that Sithole spent an additional ZWG 418,516.00 at grocery shops, hotels and beer outlets.
“He reportedly expended public funds at various outlets, including grocery shops, hotels and beer outlets, in clear violation of the intended purpose of the CDF,” reads part of the statement.
ZACC also claims that Sithole attempted to cover up the alleged misuse of funds by initiating limited purchases of construction materials.
“To conceal the misappropriation, the accused later purchased 100 bags of cement and a few roofing sheets for a different school to create the impression that project work had commenced,” ZACC said.
Sithole is expected to appear before the Masvingo Magistrates Court on March 26, 2026, to answer to the charges.
ZACC said investigations are ongoing and efforts to locate the second suspect, Edson Chauke, are underway.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
