Six Arrested in Beitbridge Over Illegal Sale of Presidential Input Scheme Fertiliser

Six people arrested in Beitbridge for illegally selling Presidential Input Scheme fertiliser as authorities intensify anti-corruption efforts to protect public resources (image source)

Beitbridge — Authorities have arrested six people in two separate anti-corruption operations targeting the unlawful possession and resale of fertiliser distributed under the Presidential Input Scheme. The coordinated actions — involving the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) — recovered agricultural inputs worth US$5,720 as government intensifies efforts to protect resources meant for vulnerable farmers.

The first operation in Dulibadzimu led to the recovery of 70 bags of 50kg fertiliser from a residential property. Four suspects — Chemistry Ndou (61), Khare Ndou (23), Thumelo Moyo (24) and Voice Ndou (62) — were detained after investigators established they had bought the subsidised inputs from beneficiaries under Chief Sitaudzi and were preparing the stock for resale. The fertiliser, valued at US$2,000, was handed over to CID Law and Order Beitbridge for further inquiry.

A second bust uncovered 120 bags of 50kg fertiliser valued at US$3,720. Angeline Chokutaura (46) of Magamba Park, Chivhu, was intercepted while allegedly transporting the stock, while Taruvinga Manunure (38) of Mucheche Village, Lutumba, was arrested after reportedly admitting to purchasing fertiliser from scheme beneficiaries and selling it on. The matter was registered at ZRP Beitbridge Rural and transferred to CID Law and Order.

Court proceedings followed, with four of the accused appearing before Magistrate Brenda Kachepa and granted US$50 bail each, while the remaining two appeared before Magistrate Tafadzwa Gwazemba, who imposed fines of US$100 or 30 days’ imprisonment. All matters were prosecuted by State counsel Mugwagwa. Officials said the swift prosecutions reflect a zero-tolerance stance toward the diversion of subsidised agricultural inputs critical to food security and rural livelihoods.

NACAZ reported that the arrests stemmed from ongoing monitoring and community tip-offs, underscoring the importance of grassroots intelligence in detecting corruption. Authorities said misuse of the Presidential Input Scheme undermines government efforts to support smallholder farmers, especially amid climate shocks and economic pressures. Local leaders and agricultural extension officers were urged to strengthen oversight, beneficiary verification and reporting to stop further leakages.

As investigations continue, prosecutors will assess whether to press additional charges, including theft, fraud or conspiracy. Anti-corruption bodies say the operations highlight the need for coordinated enforcement and systemic reforms to protect public resources and safeguard national food security programmes.