Mphoko under spotlight again

Source: Mphoko under spotlight again – Sunday News March 18, 2018

Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
FORMER Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko allegedly abused his office, ordering senior Government officials to ignore procedure and grant his relatives and associates favours during his short-lived stint in Government, it has emerged.

Evidence of the former VP’s alleged abuse of office shenanigans is beginning to creep out, five months after he was relieved of his duties. The former VP, in 2015, allegedly wrote a letter to Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa to facilitate enrolment of one Miss Rejoice Nyathi at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) School of Nursing. Miss Nyathi is turning 40 years old in August this year.

It could not be immediately established what relations Mr Mphoko had with Miss Nyathi, who is in her final year at UBH.

Sunday News is in possession of the letter from Mr Mphoko to the Health Minister dated 26 August 2015 and written on the official Government letterhead.

“Reference is made to the above mentioned subject, and I have the honour to present this case to you as discussed yesterday.

“The request is that Miss Rejoice Nyathi should start her training as a nurse on the 8th of September 2015. Her curriculum vitae was submitted before,” reads the letter in part.

Dr Parirenyatwa buckled to his then boss’ pressure and instructed that Miss Nyathi be enrolled at UBH as per the former VP’s request. Notes scribbled on the letter, ostensibly from Dr Parirenyatwa, directing officials at UBH to enrol Miss Nyathi read, “Please action as per instruction from the principals. The applicant should start immediately i.e. September 2015.”

The notes are dated 8 September, meaning Miss Nyathi only started training after the rest of the class. Mr Mphoko could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone was not reachable.

Dr Parirenyatwa while he could not confirm receiving and processing the particular request from Mr Mphoko said he regularly receives requests of such a nature. -@irielyan