Abuse of funds case hurting MDC's image

The  MDC is in the firing line after several of its MPs have been linked to a case involving the abuse of funds meant for constituency development projects.

The case involving the MPs has raised questions regarding the party's sincerity in dealing with corruption.

This comes at a time of rising concern from the MDC's traditional supporters about "complacency" creeping into the party.

The fingering of three MDC party members, Albert Mhlanga (Pumula), Marvellous Khumalo (St Mary's), and Cleopas Machacha (Kariba) has offered a slight reprieve to Zanu-PF, which is perceived in the eyes of many ordinary Zimbabweans as being corrupt.

The matter has become a political point-scoring manoeuvre.

Zanu-PF hawks have used the corruption case to say that the MDC is feeding from the same trough as the former ruling party.

Observers warn that more revelations of senior party members abusing the state funds - $50 000 was given to each MP by Treasury last year - would jeopardise the MDC further, ahead of the looming crunch elections, and dent the party's purported image of "zero-tolerance" on corruption.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has maintained that no MP found guilty of abusing the funds will be spared.

MDC national spokesman Douglas Mwonzora said of the three MDC members: "If there is a case to answer they will answer, but if there is nothing to answer to, we will not allow the issue to become one of politicking."

Minister of Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs Eric Matinenga, who has jurisdiction over the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has moved in to downplay the row in what observers say is a bid to save face.

"Some people have termed this the 'Constituency Development Fraud', but we will never have a situation whereby everybody is going to be perfect," said Matinenga.

"It is unfortunate that people are picking on one bad apple and concluding that all 210 MPs are bad."

It is also understood the government is crafting a law which will stipulate what punishment to mete out on MPs who abuse the state funds.

Confusion persists on how to deal with the named MPs, and the attorney-general, Johannes Tomana, has called for a temporary halt on all investigations.

Matinenga said: "If there has been criminal behaviour , then the law will take its course ."