PROMINENT Bulawayo businessman Muhammad Lunat stands accused of abusing funds acquired from members of the Islamic community as donations in line with their religious principles, Zim Morning Post has learnt.
Lunat is the owner Plus Two pharmacy and Zim Morning Post understands that he received funds from a South African based Islamic charity organization Al-Imdad to help mitigate Bulawayo’s water crisis.
Some members of the Mpopoma Islamic Community accuses Lunat of abusing these donations to further his political aspirations.
“We have what we call Zakat, it is a religious obligation, ordering all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria to donate a certain portion of wealth each year to charitable causes. Giving away money to the poor is said to purify yearly earnings that are over and above what is required to provide the essential needs of a person or family.
“So Lunat is using the Bulawayo water crises to donate mineral water at mosques across Bulawayo, and he invites politicians and public figures so that they endorse him towards his political aspirations by making a public show about the donation,” said a disgruntled member of Mpopoma Islamic community.
Islamic community members in surrounding high density suburbs also voiced their concern that some Indian and Pakistan Muslims based in Bulawayo are now using Zakat to further their personal agendas.
“ Lunat is seeking political influence and mileage from government officials, Bulawayo politicians and also the Muslim community across the country where he tries to portray himself as a God send leader,” added the disgruntled Muslim.
Inside sources said Lunat is trying hard to angle himself closer to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
“Right now, he is targeting Ziyambi Ziyambi and he actually planned to donate a truckload of water in Zvimba West as a sycophantic way to gain favours from him.
“I’m not sure about the actual date , but it is scheduled towards the end of November,” said our source privy to the goings on.
“This donation is being given to Zvimba when the money that is being raised through a fund raising scheme specifically for the Bulawayo water crisis. Why then divert the Bulawayo funds and donate to Zvimba?
“This is clearly questionable and shows his ulterior motives,” added our source.
Incessant efforts to get in touch with Lunat hit a snag as his mobile phone went unanswered at the time of writing on Monday.
