MP probed over alleged ZiG1.3 million CDF diversion

Mberengwa East MP Tasara Hungwe

Mberengwa East MP Tasara Hungwe is under investigation for allegedly diverting more than ZiG1.3 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), in a case that raises fresh concerns over accountability in public funds management.

Tasara Hungwe, the Member of Parliament for Mberengwa East, is accused of moving funds shortly after they were disbursed by the Parliament of Zimbabwe in August 2025. According to documents seen by local media, Mberengwa East constituency received ZiG1,341,500 (approximately US$53,000) under the CDF on August 14, 2025. Investigators allege that soon after the disbursement, Hungwe transferred ZiG799,641.32 to Tatiude (Pvt) Ltd and ZiG440,171.37 to Matquick Hardware (Pvt) Ltd—both companies reportedly linked to him.

The funds were then allegedly moved to Simbaramabwe Construction and Hardware (Pvt) Ltd before being channelled to Success Microfinance, where investigators say the money trail becomes unclear. Authorities suspect the funds were converted and paid out in United States dollars. The probe is being led by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, with support from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Financial Intelligence Unit.

Sources familiar with the investigation claim ZACC had planned to arrest Hungwe last week, but the move was reportedly halted following intervention by a senior ruling party official. ZACC has declined to comment on the matter. Hungwe has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he can account for the funds, but has reportedly not provided details on the companies involved, the constituency committee members overseeing the fund, or the specific projects financed.

The CDF is designed to support development projects at the constituency level, with funds managed through a local committee comprising the area senator, proportional representation MP, councillors, and traditional leaders. Expenditure is expected to be tied to pre-approved community projects. Governance experts say the case highlights persistent transparency gaps in the management of constituency funds.

“The CDF is meant to directly benefit communities, so any diversion undermines public trust and service delivery,” said Harare-based governance analyst Tendai Moyo. “There is a need for stronger oversight and public disclosure mechanisms.”

Hungwe, elected to Parliament in 2023, is serving his first term.

He is the second ZANU-PF MP to face scrutiny over CDF funds this year. In January, Darlington Chiwa was arrested by ZACC over allegations of diverting nearly ZiG990,000 from his constituency account. Chiwa is accused of spending the funds on personal expenses, including groceries, clothing, and building materials, with only a fraction reportedly used for community projects. His case remains before the courts. The latest allegations are likely to intensify calls for tighter controls and accountability in the use of public funds allocated to lawmakers.

Tasara Hungwe CDF scandal