Prosecutors in Mozambique have arrested three people who are to face prosecution for allegedly misappropriating relief items meant for victims of last month’s deadly cyclone.
The tropical storm killed thousands of people in three Southern African countries including Mozambique.
Cyclone Idai ripped off many communities, cutting them off major cities in order to access humanitarian aid.
Some people have been trapped and humanitarian assistance is yet to reach them.
There are many still living in camps and yet to even think of rebuilding their lives.
But some persons working with ongoing humanitarian support service for victims are reportedly diverting aid items.
The public prosecutions spokesperson in the cyclone-hit Sofala province, Joaquim Tomo is quoted by the AFP saying “There are many complaints of diversion of donations. We are investigating on a case-by-case basis.”
“We have three detainees who diverted 19 bags of rice, 19 bags of (maize) flour, 11 bags of soybeans, 100kg of beans,” Tomo added.
There are indications more arrests would be made in the coming days as news of the diversion gets bigger.
Mozambique is already battling with impact of cholera outbreak following the cyclone. This news of diversion of aid could worsen the situation.
Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) has condemned the development.
Source: Africafeeds.com
