Village Headman Naphiyo 2 Arrested over AIP Fraud in Thyolo
Beneficiaries at the centre told us that the chief collected the money - Ndlovu
- file photo
A day after Zodiak carried a story on Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) mess involving chiefs and vendors at Goliati selling point in Thyolo, agriculture authorities have busted the syndicate and forced Village Headman Naphiyo 2 to return K200, 000 he allegedly solicited from beneficiaries.
The district's Chief agriculture officer, Mirriam Ndlovu, who was at the scene says that the village headman confessed to have collected a top up of K5, 000 from 40 beneficiaries for them to buy the fertiliser.
Ndlovu has confirmed that the chief has so far returned the amount and is at Goliati police unit for further investigation.
"Some of the beneficiaries reported the matter to police, so at some point we invited the chief and he confessed to have collected K5, 000 from 40 beneficiaries. Now he has paid back the money and is still in custody," she confirmed.
Thyolo Police deputy publicist, Rabecca Kashoti says now the matter is in the hands of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) who were not available for comment.
"ACB is the one handling this issue so try calling them and find out," she said.
Meanwhile, Ndlovu has confirmed that ACB and South East Police Region are investigating the allegations.
Last modified on Monday, 26/12/2022
