The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has engaged independent auditors after at least $1,9 million was withdrawn by top party officials from the bank accounts last year and spent on personal projects while the party has been failing to pay its workers and fund key party programmes.

“We are faced with that challenge whereby $1,9 million was stolen and used for other purposes,” a source told NewsDay.

Last year, the MDC received more than $4 million under the Political Parties Finance Act.

Government released more than $12 million to both the MDC and Zanu-PF to share according to the numbers garnered in the 2018 harmonised elections.

MDC treasurer-general David Coltart confirmed to NewsDay that a team of independent auditors would start work this week after unconfirmed reports that the money had been abused by unnamed top officials and individuals.

He could, however, not be drawn into confirming or denying the theft reports.

“We are starting an audit today because the party, at my request, has agreed to have an audit. We will have a standard audit and until maybe the audit reveals the irregularities, I am not aware of such,” Coltart said.

“Whether it is $190 000 or $1,9 million, I am not aware of any irregularities. I am not saying they are not there. I am not an auditor and that is why we have an audit. An independent firm will be doing the audit of the MDC books since 2019 and it is the first for the MDC and for any political party. It is the first time a political party has subjected itself to an audit.”

This is not the first time the MDC has been in the eye of a storm over alleged abuse of funds.

In 2014, the party split into two distinct camps amid accusations that donors were not happy with how the leadership had used funds.

As a result of alleged lack of accountability in party finances, the insiders said donors had withdrawn financial support to the main opposition following the 2014 allegations leading into a serious financial crisis.

-Newsday