Mugabe Criticised For Demanding His Pension In Cash

People who were interviewed by The Chronicle condemned former President Robert Mugabe for demanding his pension in cash.

Mugabe is alleged to be demanding to be paid his benefits, a lump sum of $467 200 and a monthly pension of $13 000 in cash. According to State media, Mugabe used to receive his monthly salary of $20 000 per month in cash despite the cash shortages in Zimbabwe. A Bulawayo lawyer, Mr Dumisani Dube, questioned why Mugabe wanted a huge amount in cash when the rest of Zimbabweans were queuing for their salaries. Said Dube:

Mr Mugabe’s demands are against anti-money laundering laws which were put in place to curb terrorism among other criminal activities. Anti-money laundering specifically refers to all policies and pieces of legislation that force financial institutions to proactively monitor their clients in order to prevent money laundering and corruption. So why does Mr Mugabe, a private citizen, want such a huge amount in cash when the generality of people are struggling to access even $100 per week? In South Africa you cannot even withdraw $100 000 without first complying with the South African Reserve Bank regulations on money laundering and terror. In light of that, we can only speculate that Mr Mugabe wants to use the money for illicit activities.

A pensioner, Mr Daniel Mthanga (72) from Nkayi said Mugabe’s demands were unfair. Said Mthanga:

I retired from a security company in 2014. It is not fair for Mr Mugabe to demand such a huge amount in cash yet people like us have to sleep in the cold to collect small amounts. The same amount is eroded by transport costs and food. Mr Mugabe is being insincere and inconsiderate looking at the cash challenges that we are facing in the country.

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