By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has swooped on former Harare City Council Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni and ex-Acting Town Clerk Josephine Ncube for alleged criminal abuse of duty.
The charges stem from a controversial land development agreement that reportedly cost the city an estimated US$20 million.
According to ZACC, the arrests are related to actions taken by Manyenyeni and Ncube regarding a land development agreement between the City of Harare and Shelter Zimbabwe.
The original deal, initiated in 2013, authorized the development of 1,500 residential stands on 657 hectares in Tafara, Mabvuku. Under this agreement, Shelter Zimbabwe was responsible for the necessary infrastructure, while the council was tasked with allocating and selling the stands once they were serviced.
However, in 2017, the allegations state that Ncube and Manyenyeni unlawfully amended the original agreement, allowing Shelter Zimbabwe to sell unserviced stands. Following this alteration, Shelter Zimbabwe sold the stands but failed to develop the land and did not remit the proceeds to the city council.
Both accused officials are expected to appear in Harare Magistrates’ Court today, to face the charges.