PM cracks down on corruption

 The MDC-T’s crack down on corruption will be extended to senior party officials, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has said.

He was speaking at a meeting with local structures held at Vashandiri Centre here over the weekend. To date, the party has expelled 12 urban councillors and mayors who were implicated in graft by an internal probe team. Some of the fired officials, including Gweru mayor Tedious Chimombe, have joined different parties rather than appeal the decision. Chimombe is understood to be the interim National Chairman of the newly formed United Movement for Democracy Party.

However, contrary to reports that the party had put together a taskforce led by National Chairman and Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo to try and lure back the fired officials, PM Tsvangirai said MDC-T would not accommodate corrupt officials. “Some of the fired officials joined the party wearing sandals, an indication that they were people of low income. But today because they entered into positions, they are now owners of fleets of vehicles and have become filthy rich,” said the PM. “MDC-T has nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to shunning corruption. The campaign is now being extended to ministers. No one will be a sacred cow.”

Tsvangirai pointed out that if the party won in the next polls, it would carry out a thorough life style audit on its officials.

“If I am going to form the next government, which I think I will, only clean officials will join me. No corrupt official will be a minister or hold any key post in that government,” he said before assuring his supporters of an election victory. “ZANU (PF) always gives the impression that it is impossible for MDC-T to win the next elections and rule. There is nothing like that. You will not stop the train. Such power only rests with God.”