Whistleblower slapped with three-goat fine for exposing village corruption
BEITBRIDGE – A Beitbridge villager has been hit with a three-goat fine by Mtetengwe traditional court for exposing alleged unfair treatment and corruption by her village head, following a police report and in an interview with Southern Eye.
Tshamunanga Village resident Efa Sebata has been ordered to pay compensation of one goat to Headman Mabhidhi, another to Edna Tshidixwa(the kraal head who reported the issue) and the third to the community.
In addition to the earlier penalty, Sebata has ordered to pay Tshidixwa two goats and two chickens for disrespecting her authority as Kraal head during a community meeting on ZANU-PF’s day-old chick distribution program.
She expressed deep dissatisfaction with the outcome, convinced that corruption and abuse of authority had compromised her case.
“I was denied the chance to present my case to Headman Mabhidhi which I found troubling. Tshidixwa’s handling of the situation was even more disturbing.”
“After our personal misunderstanding, she became the complainant, judge and decision-maker in my case. This was an obvious conflict of interest undermined any hope of fairness.”,said Sebata.
She also noted that, “During a workshop on broiler chicken care led by ZANU-PF officials from Harare, I showcased my knowledge and they proposed appointing me as their point person for chick distributions. However, the kraal head rejected the idea which surprised me”.
Sebata reportedly approached Tshidixwa after the meeting, seeking clarification on being excluded from the decision but the encounter took a dramatic turn when the kraal head threatening the accused with a goat payment for questioning her authority.
Allegations suggest that the threat was actualized when the accused person was summoned to Tshidixwa’s residence for a hearing, only to find the complainant seated alongside family members presiding over the proceedings.
It had been claimed that Sebata was ordered by Tshidixwa to pay a penalty of two goats and two chickens.
Within hours, Tshidixwa’s brother appeared at Sebata’s doorstep, seizing two chickens and demanding the prompt delivery of the goats.
Allegations have emerged that, dissatisfied Sebata sought counsel from fellow villagers who urged her to contact NewsDay, leading to a referral to the police.
Shortly thereafter, she was summoned to Headman Mabhidhi’s court where she faced charges for engaging with the media and filing a police report.
