BULAWAYO police recently impounded a Toyota GD6 vehicle belonging to Zimbabwean musician, dancer and actress, cum politician Sandra Ndebele, amid reports that it may have been smuggled into the country.
Ndebele was, however, not arrested.
It could not be ascertained if she received the vehicle from her Zanu PF ruling party.
The 42-year old is a Zanu PF councillor for Ward 20 in Bulawayo.
She won the seat during last year’s by-elections.
Sources said Ndebele was left shocked after police seized her vehicle a fortnight ago when she failed to provide legit documentation on how the car was imported into the country.
Ndebele did not respond to Standard Style questions on the matter.
In recent months, police in Zimbabwe and South Africa have seized hundreds of top of the range vehicles that are being smuggled into the country.
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The blitz followed reports that many vehicles were being corruptly brought into the country, evading tax in the process.
Ndebele is a beneficiary of controversial businessman and convicted criminal Wicknell Chivayo’s proceeds from alleged tender scandals running into millions of United States dollars.
In February, she was given a Mercedes Benz GLE400d worth US$155 000 by Chivayo.
A number of musicians and other Zanu PF praise singers have also received vehicles from Chivayo, who has grabbed headlines for alleged corrupt dealings.
Ndebele, who is best known for her gyrating dances, joined Zanu PF after her music career took a dip.
In August 2021, the Zanu PF women’s league in Bulawayo appointed Sandra Ndebele as the Bulawayo representative for Young women for Economic Development.
Her appointment infuriated a section of Zimbabweans, who said the musician had made a wrong turn.
Following the backlash, the ruling party then posted on X refuting claims that Ndebele had joined the ruling party
Ndebele, however, later officially joined the party and went on to contest for a local government seat during the December by-elections following 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.
