Ronny Zikhali

Police in Britain have launched some investigations into alleged abuse of over 15 000 Pounds collected through a public appeal by Zimbabwean activist, Betty Makoni, following a petition signed in United Kingdom demanding the activist to account for every penny donated.
The money was for the operation to remove tumor and cover hospital bill for Zimbabwean girl, Taremeredzwa (Tare) Nomatter Mapungwana who was suffering from a complicated disease that was causing massive swelling on her mouth and cheek.
According to international media, case number 1003/2912/09 has since been opened by Essex police and has been transferred to SouthendonSea Fraud Squad for thorough investigations.
The Director of Zimbabwe Teachers Network (UK) Mr Munashe MoyoGodo, said in a group email last week: "I think there is more than meets the eye here. Public funds are not treated like personal funds, they cannot be used as pocket money and given out at will. Protocol should be followed, which evidently was not the case in this instance."
"Indeed, there is also the issue of the public being misinformed and duped into thinking money will be handled in a professional way with proper accounting. As someone who worked tirelessly to make it possible for Tare to come to this country to get treatment, I feel cheated and I personally feel this whole scenario is shady. I personally suggest an independent investigation into this case. The things that need to be clarified should also include Taremeredzwa's present circumstances."
Tare is supposed to be the beneficiary of all funds collected under the appeal made by Ms Makoni.
The 18year old girl brought into UK to be operated on a life threatening tumor has since undergone the first operation to remove the tumor and was billed to have a second major operation to remove the gland that is suspected to be causing development of the tumors.
However, Tare was failing to go for her second operation as Girl Child Network Worldwide had not paid an outstanding bill of 3 862,01 Pounds it owes the hospital where Tare was operated from.
According to international media, the bill was finally settled after contributors to the funds requested an inquiry into the proceeds of the appeal.
Asked where the money came from GCNW cofounder Mrs Pricilla Nyathi said: "I cannot discuss this in detail because the case is now in the hands of authorities. What I can tell you is that I now have the money to pay up the outstanding bills for Tare to enable her undergo a second operation soon."
She further said GCNW has appointed an independent accounting firm with more than 35 years experience to audit all of the organisation’s books.
“The name of the accounting firm is Colin Gardner and Co Accounting Firm. I will be taking all the GCNW books to them soon,” said Nyathi.
“…... The UK appeal raised a total of £15 971,43 of which £13 243,43 came from the GCNW and PAYPAL A/C, £1 080 given directly to Mai Tare (the girls mother) by wellwishers in hospital, £440 deposited directly to VioMak A/C and another £1 008 also given directly to Tare's mum by Paul Simple and Lady Gee fundraising Gig for DJs in the UK.
“Christ Ministries (Pastor Forbes) also raised a total of £200 cash and pledged £300 for later treatment,” Mrs Nyathi said.
She gave a breakdown of the hospital bill and how money was channeled into it.
“The total for the hospital bill was £21 000 ,” she says.
“A bill of £10 000 was paid directly by GCNW director (Priscilla Nyathi) to the hospital on December 14 and £8 000 was paid directly to the hospital by Tare's brother in Zimbabwe, leaving a balance of £3 862,01.
Tare’s brother paid the hospital bill using money raised from Zimbabwe leaving GCNW with a lumpsome of 5 000 pounds unaccounted for.
Ms Makoni was earlier quoted by international media saying she had £5 000 at Tare’s disposal, but later failed to pay a bill of 3 800 pounds.
It is alleged that a total of $22,000 was raised in Zimbabwe alone, while national airliner, Air Zimbabwe, provided tickets to enable Taremeredzwa and her mother to fly to the UK.
Some of the organisations that donated money towards Tare’s appeal are Econet $13 600 Stanbic Bank $5,000 and an organisation belonging to Bishop Trevor Manhanga chipped in with $3,600.
Taremeredzwa's operation needed about 10 000 pounds, which had already been raised by organisations in Zimbabwe.
“A date will be set for all of you to attend the meeting at a venue to be advised and date convenient for you all so that you can witness the statements for all the accounts," Mrs Nyathi said.
Speaking from Ashford Kent where she is staying with a relative, Tare told the media: "Things are fine for me at the moment and I am happy living with my auntie here, but we have no money to take us to hospital."
Contacted for comment, Ms Makoni blamed her enemies for thwarting all her efforts in trying to assist the girl child.
"As far as we are concerned, Mai Tare is an adult woman who can stand in a court of law and respond to some of your questions, but I am so sure those individuals who donated were fully briefed and it was a matter of choice if they wanted to donate."
A heated verbal spat continues to reign supreme between Girl Child and those who responded to the appeal.