BULAWAYO – Bulawayo police have impounded a Toyota GD6 vehicle belonging to Zimbabwean musician, dancer, actress, and politician Sandra Ndebele amid allegations that the vehicle may have been smuggled into the country.
Despite the vehicle seizure, Ndebele has not been arrested.
Sandra Ndebele, a 42-year-old Zanu PF councilor for Ward 20 in Bulawayo, won her seat during last year’s by-elections.
It remains unclear if she received the vehicle from her ruling party, Zanu PF.
Six Zimbabwean Nationals Arrested in Northern Cape Illegal Mining Crackdown
Sources indicate that Ndebele was left in shock when police confiscated her vehicle a fortnight ago due to her inability to provide legitimate documentation regarding the car’s importation into Zimbabwe.
Despite several inquiries, Ndebele has not responded questions on the matter.
In recent months, police in both Zimbabwe and South Africa have impounded hundreds of high-end vehicles suspected of being smuggled into the country.
This crackdown follows reports of rampant corruption involving the evasion of taxes during the vehicle importation process.
Ndebele has also been linked to controversial businessman and convicted criminal Wicknell Chivayo, known for his involvement in alleged tender scandals amounting to millions of US dollars.
In February, Chivayo gifted Ndebele a Mercedes Benz GLE400d worth US$155,000. Many other musicians and Zanu PF supporters have also reportedly received vehicles from Chivayo, who has frequently made headlines for his purported corrupt activities.
Sandra Ndebele, best known for her energetic and gyrating dance performances, transitioned into politics after her music career declined.
In August 2021, the Zanu PF women’s league in Bulawayo appointed her as the Bulawayo representative for Young Women for Economic Development.
This appointment sparked controversy among Zimbabweans, who felt that Ndebele had made a misguided career move.
Following the backlash, Zanu PF initially refuted claims that Ndebele had joined the ruling party through a post on X (formerly Twitter). However, Ndebele later officially joined Zanu PF and contested for a local government seat during the December by-elections, which were held after the recall of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors and legislators. She had previously lost to Simbarashe Dube of the CCC during the disputed August 2023 elections.
This incident adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Sandra Ndebele, whose political journey continues to attract significant attention.
