Political Reporter
The #FreeMako that was created by the MDC Alliance to offer support to the jailed activist, Makomborero Haruzivishe was a looting scheme designed to enrich some senior MDC Alliance official, a UK based MDC Alliance official has said.
The official who preferred anonymity told this publication that a lot of funds were raised purportedly to pay for Haruzivishe’s legal fees and other needs but the money was diverted by some senior officials.
“When Mako was arrested, we were urged to contribute funds to pay for his legal fees. As the UK branch, we raised a substantial amount for the cause. However, we later learnt that Mako was getting free legal representation from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. So where did the money contributed go?” queried the official.
The same official said the MDC Alliance leadership lied that some donated funds were used to cater for Haruzivishe’s welfare while in jail and to buy groceries for his family but only US$300.00 was used.
“We were told that some funds were used to buy groceries for Mako’s parents. However, we heard that his parents only received some few groceries that could only fill two plastic bags. Money that was used on Mako and his parents was less than US$300.00.The rest of the money was then squandered by some senior officials,” added the source.
The official said it was now the norm within the MDC Alliance to take advantage of a situation to fleece unsuspecting party members of their cash.
“This hashtag looting scheme has been there for some time now. If you still remember, when Patson Dzamara was sick, some GoFundme accounts were created to raise money for his cancer treatment. However, the money did not reach Dzamara but was abused by some people within the party. We are now tired of fattening other people’s pockets through our donations,” lamented the official.
The same official said the MDC Alliance should stop abusing donated funds as it would find it difficult to get sponsors who would finance their 2023 electoral campaign. He added that the problem in that party was that the Treasurer, David Coltart was just a place holder and all financial matters were handled directly by party leader Nelson Chamisa and Secretary General Charlton Hwende.
The official added that what had left many MDC Alliance supporters confused was the fact that they were urged to fund-raise when someone was in jail but nothing was done to help those who might have been released in jail to get them back on their feet again. He cited the case of Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama who were recently released from jail.
Efforts to get a comment from MDC Alliance treasurer, Coltart, were futile as his mobile was not reachable.
