MIDWEEK REPORTER
BIKITA-A VETERINARY officer, Shelton Chingwaro deployed at Chikuku in Bikita District is under probe for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office, The Midweek Watch has learned.
Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Kramer Manyetu confirmed the probe that has been instituted following numerous complaints about Chingwaro’s conduct by villagers.
Chingwaro is responsible for Chikuku, Boora and Kufa dip tanks in Headman Mazvimba area under Chief Mazungunye and is accused of not monitoring the cattle for possible disease outbreaks or vaccination and the dip tanks which are his main duties.
The vet officer is accused of spending most of the working hours at his takeaway that he allegedly operates at Chikuku Business Centre in Chegono Butchery, renting out the new bike he was allocated recently which has been reduced to a ramshackle.
“Thank you for the heads up. The canteen is there and a preliminary investigation has established that most of what you hinted on is happening and we have started a process that is in the interests of the farmers. While it might take a while but we are now fully on it,” said Dr. Manyetu.
When contacted Chingwaro confirmed the probe, but was quick to dismiss it saying it is the work of one disgruntled villager who was owing him US$11.5 from three years ago and is bend on fixing him.
“Thank you for the call and I know you want stories a lot. In the first place I don’t operate a canteen but a cellphone shop. The person who reported me is one villager whom I will give you the full and correct story when this matter is over.
“I borrowed this villager 2litres of cooking oil and one broiler chicken in 2021 and he only paid me my money recently. He gave me US$20 and I told him I will give you back your change after three years and he was bitter about it hence all these maneuvers to smear me.
“As for neglect of duty, that is complete fabrication, I can give you contacts of so many farmers who are very happy with my performance, I work with them very cordially and they can testify to that,” said Chingwaro who was laughing throughout the interview.
