Zanu PF MP Blows Constituency Funds On Booze, Shoes & Shopping Spree: More Details Revealed

A ruling party legislator is accused of funding a personal shopping spree with money earmarked for his community’s development. Chiredzi West MP, Darlington Chiwa, allegedly used Constituency Development Funds to buy beer, shoes, and finance a slew of personal purchases. The scandal has landed him in court and seen him barred from his own constituency by his furious party.

The MP was remanded in custody on January 17, 2026, after a dramatic court appearance in Masvingo. He faces serious theft charges following a parliamentary audit that uncovered major discrepancies in the constituency account. The case has exposed an alleged spending frenzy using public money.

Party Slams Door On Embattled MP

Days before his day in court, Chiwa’s political home turned against him. On January 14, 2026, the Zanu PF Masvingo provincial executive issued a formal prohibition order. The order forbade the MP from convening any gatherings or meetings in Chiredzi West, effectively exiling him from the area he represents. The action followed a flood of complaints from angry constituents.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson, Robson Mavhenyengwa, confirmed the drastic step. He told TellZim News:

“Yes, Cde Chiwa was issued a prohibition order over a matter to do with use of CDF funds. We are going to carry out investigations into the allegations raised against him. If it is true then it will come out in the hearing, if it’s not he will be cleared.”

When reached for comment, the MP declined to speak, directing all inquiries back to party officials.

The State’s Case: A Funded Personal Lifestyle

The detailed charges presented to magistrate Caroline Nyoni allege a systematic scheme. Prosecutors claim Chiwa, as chair of the local CDF committee, manipulated other committee members. He is accused of making them rescind their authority as bank signatories, leaving him in sole control of the purse strings.

The court heard that in April 2025, Parliament deposited the equivalent of US$50,000 (approx. ZWG$990,000) into the constituency account. The State alleges Chiwa swiftly transferred this entire amount into his personal account. What followed, according to prosecutors, was a spree of personal expenditure.

State representative Godfrey Mugondo outlined the alleged misuse. He said only around ZWG$270,000 was traced to legitimate community projects. The bulk of the money, he claimed, was diverted.

“He is alleged to have used over ZWG$990,000 to buy building materials, groceries, beer and shoes, among other items. It is the State’s case that the Chiredzi West parliamentarian tried to conceal the offense by submitting forged documents for acquittal pretending to have used all the money for constituency development projects.”

The magistrate was told the MP then submitted forged acquittal documents to Parliament, falsely claiming all funds were spent on proper development. The audit uncovered the truth, leading to his arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). The State is opposing bail, arguing he may interfere with witnesses.

A Case In Isolation Or A Wider Problem?

As legal proceedings continue, questions swirl within political circles. Sources within Zanu PF suggested to TellZim News that several other MPs in the province are under scrutiny for similar CDF allegations. Chiwa, however, is reportedly the first to face such direct and public action from the party.

This timing has led to speculation that internal party dynamics may be influencing the case’s prominence. Provincial chair Mavhenyengwa denied knowledge of other active cases, stating his office acts on reports as they are received.

For the people of Chiredzi West, the promised development projects remain in doubt. They are now spectators to a court case that will decide the fate of their representative and the money that was meant for their community.