By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Kudzai Chipanga, a former Zanu-PF youth leader and current district coordinating committee member, has been arrested for allegedly stealing agricultural inputs worth US$11,200 under the Presidential Pfumvudza programme.
Chipanga appeared at the Rusape Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he was granted US$400 bail and remanded for trial on January 30, 2024.
The State alleges that Chipanga and three accomplices orchestrated the theft on November 27.
The stolen inputs, including 200 bags of fertilizer, 100 packs of seed maize, and 500 packets of vegetable seed, were earmarked for distribution in Ward 38 of Headlands.
Instead, Chipanga and his accomplices allegedly distributed the inputs at a Zanu-PF rally at Lawrencedale Primary School, before diverting the truck to several locations to offload the remaining inputs.
Prosecutor Event Dhliwayo did not oppose bail, citing Chipanga’s cooperation with the police.
“Unlike his accomplices, he did not hide from the police and justice. He surrendered himself and cooperated with the police, which meant he did not intend to abscond trial,” Dhliwayo said in court.
Chipanga was ordered by Magistrate Barbra Mateko to reside at his Wakefield Farm in Headlands, report to Rusape Rural Police Station twice weekly, and refrain from interfering with witnesses or investigations.
His accomplices, Innocent Magutakuona, Michael Musekiwa, and Julius Chipfupa, remain at large.
The case will proceed to trial on January 30, 2024.