Workers at the ZANU PF controlled National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) have revealed a high-level looting scandal that has seen their bosses acquiring top of the range vehicles worth more than US$1 million - but the workers themselves have not been paid since August last year.

This is according to the ZimEye online news service, which reported last week that the NRZ's management, led by Retired Air Commodore Mike Karakadzai, was looting the company's resources. According to the report, NRZ workers revealed that the looting has intensified in order for the management team to walk away with as many goods as possible before the unity government appoints a new management team there.

Sources reportedly told ZimEye that Karakadzai, who is a firm ZANU PF supporter, recently acquired the latest model of the Toyota Landcruiser valued at US$250 000, as well as five Toyota Prados for US$100 000 each. The vehicles have since been parked at the company headquarters in Bulawayo and are reportedly waiting to be given to NRZ directors.

Karakadzai has also reportedly acquired a state-of-the art LCD television, sofas and a laptop, among other expensive items for his office in the NRZ building. His looting apparently also includes the acquisition of furniture for his double storey house, where he lives adjacent to his directors who have also bought new furniture for their houses.

The workers have not been paid since last August while the local rail network itself has been described as 'dilapidated' and the revelation of the looting has now sparked protests at the NRZ, where the workers committee chairman Albert Mahlangu launched a scathing attack on Karakadzai and his cronies.

Meanwhile, over 1 000 workers last Thursday thronged Karakadzai's office demanding they be paid and threatened to confiscate the new vehicles and furniture. The workers have since been promised that they will be paid by Friday.