Sungura music icon and Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Ambassador, Alick Macheso has pleaded with those tasked to distribute relief items meant for cyclone Idai flood victims to desist from looting.
This follows widespread reports that there is rampant looting of donations meant for the people who were affected by the deadly cyclone which has so far left more than 200 people dead while thousands remain homeless following the destruction of their homes and infrastructure in Manicaland Province.
According to a daily independent newspaper, Zanu-PF officials have been looting the relief aid and stockpiling for personal use.
However, Macheso, who was speaking at a handover of a consignment of donations by a local funeral parlour to Red Cross Society, appealed to the general public to be compassionate and show sincerity towards the affected people adding that they need to be given the donations as a matter of urgency.
“I hope everything that has been donated here will find its way to the intended recipients.
“I sincerely hope that no-one will have the spirit of looting. No one should take not even a sack of maize or a pair of shoes which is meant to help those in need.
“The donations should go straight to the victims,” the visibly emotional Macheso said.
However, International Rescue Committee (IRC), country director in Zimbabwe Paolo Cernuschi dispelled the looting rumours saying all was being done transparently.
“I attended a distribution in Chipinge today for 200 families. The selection was transparent. Two humanitarian agencies were present. No political statements made or implied. While reports of politicisation of #CycloneIdai aid are a cause for concern, I’m happy to have seen none of that today,’ he posted on his Twitter.
Meanwhile, Macheso thanked well-wishers who have been donating towards the flood victims while appealing for more stuff.
Since the flood hit the Chimanimani and Chipinge areas and other surrounding places, there have been numerous donations from across the country and beyond meant to help those affected.
However, the good gestures seem to have gone to waste as some loose persons have taken upon themselves to loot the items.
