By Desire Tshuma
Harare – A storm has erupted within Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES Zimbabwe) after an extraordinary board meeting on 14 February 2026 resolved to suspend its Executive Director and Board Chairman, Mr. Martin Zharare, over a series of alleged fraudulent activities amounting to more than US $112,800.
The suspension, effective immediately, signals a deep rift in the organization that has long positioned itself as a grassroots movement against economic sanctions and a close affiliate of ZANU PF.
According to the board’s formal notice, Zharare is accused of inflating costs and misappropriating funds from the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme in Binga Constituency. He allegedly collected US $84,600 from villagers, claiming each borehole cost US $1,800 when the actual price was US $900.
From that amount, US $42,300 is said to have been diverted for personal use, while US $25,200 earmarked for 14 boreholes never materialised.
The alleged fraud does not stop at Binga. In Bubi, Matebeleland North, Zharare reportedly collected US $4,500 for borehole work that was never performed. In Mashonaland Central, another US $10,800 raised for similar projects was allegedly siphoned away.
Beyond borehole schemes, the board claims Zharare printed membership cards and T‑shirts for all ten provinces, pocketing more than US $10,000 without remitting any proceeds to CAES. He is also accused of conspiring with Africa Bird Company, represented by Mr. Chingono, to defraud members of over US $20,000. In total, the documented alleged misappropriations reach US $112,800, a figure that has shocked both members and political observers.
Vice Chairman Elson Muchenje, known within the organization as Samurivo, expressed his dismay:
“We have always believed in transparency and accountability. The alleged embezzlement of over one hundred thousand dollars undermines the trust of our 500,000 members and tarnishes the image of our party, ZANU PF. We cannot allow such conduct to go unchecked.”
Board member and Head of Security Wallace Matavire added,
“The board’s decision to suspend Mr. Zharare was not taken lightly. It follows a pattern of gross misconduct that includes inflating project costs, diverting donor funds, and breaching organizational protocols. We are committed to restoring integrity and will cooperate fully with any investigations.”
The suspension letter, signed by five board members, orders Zharare to immediately hand over all organization documents to the CAES Board Secretary and to cease any involvement with CAES activities during the suspension period. It also warns the public that any business conducted with Zharare from this point forward is at their own risk.
CAES Zimbabwe, which has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for the removal of economic sanctions and a mobiliser for ZANU PF’s grassroots agenda, now faces a critical test of its internal governance. Political analysts say the outcome of this case could have ripple effects on the party’s reputation ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
As investigations loom, members await clarity on whether the alleged funds can be recovered and how CAES will rebuild its credibility. For now, the organization’s leadership insists that the suspension is a necessary step toward accountability and that any wrongdoing will be met with the full weight of both internal disciplinary measures and, if warranted, legal action.