RUSAPE- Former Makoni West legislator Kudzi Chipanga appeared before Rusape regional magistrate Barbara Mateko on Tuesday, facing charges of stealing presidential agricultural inputs valued at US$11,200. He was granted US$400 bail with strict reporting conditions.

The court ordered Chipanga to reside at his Wakefield Farm in Headlands and report to Rusape Rural Police Station twice weekly. He must not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.

Prosecutors allege Chipanga and three accomplices diverted farming supplies meant for the government’s Pfumvudza program in Ward 38 of Headlands. The stolen materials included 200 bags of fertilizer and various seed packages.

According to state witness Noria Gashu, an Arex officer, the supplies were initially transported to Lawrencedale Primary School for a ZANU PF rally. The ex-MP and his co-accused allegedly took control of distribution without authorization.

“They distributed the inputs without Arex consent, causing confusion among beneficiaries,” Gashu said in her testimony. The defendants later moved remaining supplies to multiple locations, including a house along Rusape-Nyanga Road.

Defense lawyer Chris Ndlovu emphasized Chipanga’s cooperation with police and stable residential status. State prosecutor Event Dhliwayo did not oppose bail, noting the accused’s voluntary surrender.

The stolen agricultural inputs, critical for local farming initiatives, remain unrecovered. Chipanga’s alleged accomplices – Innocent Magutakuona, Michael Musekiwa, and Julius Chipfupa – are still at large.

The case continues on January 30, 2025, with investigations ongoing into the disappearance of the governmental farming supplies intended to support local agricultural development.