Anti-corruption group dismayed by Cyclone Idai aid loot

The Southern Africa group, the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACTSA) has called for the investigation of looting and partisan distribution to the flood hit areas of Manicaland and Masvingo of provinces.

“News of looting and partisan distribution of aid for the victims of cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe is not only disheartening but a sign of wickedness,” says ACTSA. In a news release the organisation chided perpetrators of the looting and called for a concerted inquiry in order to ensure that the devastated communities fully benefit from assistance being rendered.

“The trust learnt with shock the massive looting for personal gain by some entities and individuals. This may demotivate a number of stakeholders who are extending their hands to help thousands of Zimbabweans who lost almost everything due to the floods,” says the Trust.

The media has been awash with reports that political parties, mainly the ruling ZANU-PF party and its leadership have been stuffing away aid destined for thousands of families who lost their entire household goods that include, clothing, food and shelter.

Besides looting, there were also reports that food has been distributed along political affiliations. Pictures posted on social media revealed visibly shaken families bemoaning lack of help two weeks after the cyclone struck their homes and left them bare.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Goodwills Brand Ambassador, Alick Macheso has expressed his displeasure, and called on those tasked to distribute donations meant for cyclone Idai flood victims to do so with a human heart, sincerity, and desist from looting.

Ambassador Macheso, the sungura music ace, who was speaking at a handover of a consignment of goodies donated by a local funeral parlor to Red Cross Society, appealed to the general public to be compassionate and show sincerity towards the affected people adding that they need to be given the donations as a matter of urgency.

“I hope everything that has been donated here will find its way to the intended recipients.” I sincerely hope that no-one will have the spirit of looting. No one should take not even a sack of maize or a pair of shoes which is meant to help those in need.”The donations should go straight to the victims,” the visibly emotional Macheso said.

Local Government Minister July Moyo has however disproved the allegations saying the party (ZANU-PF) was merely using its cars to help distribute aid to the affected communities. The storm killed 179 people in Zimbabwe, and about 329 people are still unaccounted for according to government disclosures.

zwnews