Fishing permits: Villagers fall prey to conmen Illegal fish poachers have contributed immensely to the decline of fish population
Dr Zivhu

Dr Zivhu

George Maponga Masvingo Bureau
Hundreds of villagers in Chivi have reportedly been fleeced of their hard-earned cash by some unscrupulous people who are demanding money to register them for non-existent fishing permits at Tokwe Mukosi Dam.

The fraudsters are reportedly demanding $10 per individual to register for the fishing permits.

Sources from the district revealed that other villagers have been duped after being promised employment once work on the Beitbridge-Harare dualisation project starts.

They said hundreds of unsuspecting villagers, particularly unemployed youths, have fallen prey to the fraudsters, parting with their hard-earned money after being promised fishing permits and jobs.

Some unnamed senior Zanu-PF officials in the district have also been fingered in the scam, amid reports that police and other security services are investigating the reports.

Masvingo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa has since professed ignorance over the matter, saying no formal report had been made over the issue.

However, several villagers from Chivi confirmed witnessing some unemployed people being asked to pay $10 each to be considered for employment once the dualisation project kicks off.

This was also corroborated by Chivi Rural District Council chairperson Dr Killer Zivhu, who revealed that police were investigating the matter.

Addressing Zanu-PF chairpersons from Chivi recently, Dr Zivhu warned ruling party youths against abusing their positions to fleece desperate villagers.

Dr Zivhu said the net would soon close in on the unscrupulous officials who were demanding cash from villagers and unemployed people.

“I just want to warn you that, please, do not be found among those who are demanding money from our parents and unemployed young people in the district on the pretext that they will get fishing permits at Tokwe-Mukosi, or jobs in the impending highway dualisation project,” he said.

“We have received reports that there are some people who are charging $10 per person to register them to get fishing permits at Tokwe-Mukosi and jobs when the highway dualisation project starts.

“This is all fake and those who are doing so will soon be exposed because the State security organisations, including the police, are looking into the issue and the culprits will be exposed. Do not be one of them.”

Dr Zivhu said fishing permits at Tokwe-Mukosi would be issued at the appropriate time through the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

He said Zanu-PF was registering those who wished to be considered for jobs or other services on the highway dualisation project for free.

Dr Zivhu said fishing permits at Tokwe Mukosi would not be issued to individuals, urging villagers in Chivi to form co-operatives and apply for the permits.

Tokwe Mukosi Dam was officially commissioned by President Mugabe in May this year and is billed to become a major fisheries hub in Masvingo.

Government has since designated the dam as a fish breeding place under the Command Fisheries programme that has already seen over 200 000 fingerlings being stocked in the water reservoir.

President Mugabe officially launched the estimated $1 billion Beitbridge-Harare dualisation project in May this year, that is expected to create thousands of jobs in Masvingo province.

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