The suspension of Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairperson, Mike Madiro over allegations of fraud and corruption has sent jitters within the party amid revelations that President Robert Mugabe has authorised the investigation of more bigwigs over graft charges.
Madiro and four others were suspended last week over allegations that they converted to personal use nearly US$1 million they had sourced from diamond mining firms in Manicaland on the pretext that it was meant for party activities.
There are also reports that the provincial leaders allegedly looted an unspecified number of cattle meant for last year’s 21st February celebration held to mark Mugabe’s birthday.
The Manicaland provincial chairman was on Thursday spotted at State House, where he was said to have been grilled by Mugabe and his top lieutenants before being handed a letter of suspension.
Madiro emerged from the “grilling” carrying an envelope which he later opened in his vehicle, sources in the party said.
But the sources said despite Madiro’s suspension, Zanu PF was in a quandary over how to proceed with the case as more bigwigs among its cabinet ministers and politburo members have been implicated in similar corrupt deals.
“There are fears that those arrested will spill the beans. They know of other senior party official who have also fleeced diamond mining firms in Marange,” said a senior Zanu PF official.
“The party is now in a dilemma over what to do because if Madiro is arrested, then two or three cabinet ministers also have to face the music.”
