By Panashe Karidzagundi
BUSINESSMAN Jonathan Gapare and Alpha Housing Development (Private) Limited have appeared in court over alleged illegal sale of Beitbridge residential stands worth about US$4,7 million.
The duo are facing charges of theft and contempt of court.
They appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba with the State represented by Willbrought Muleya.
Muleya alleged that Alpha Housing Development sold hundreds of residential stands on land belonging to the Municipality of Beitbridge.
The alleged offences date back to 2015.
The court heard that Beitbridge Town Council allocated land to Alpha Housing Development to develop low-cost housing.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2015.
Under the agreement, the company was expected to service 600 residential stands.
It was also required to develop 500 stands into low-cost houses.
The company was allegedly expected to hand over 40 low-cost houses and 60 serviced stands to the municipality.
Muleya alleged that a layout plan known as GE98 was later approved for Dulibadzimu West.
Muleya alleged that Alpha Housing Development went on to sell stands outside the agreed arrangement, and 605 stands were sold and the proceeds converted to personal use.
The municipality later approached the court under case number BTB CIV 95/23.
On 6 October 2023, the court allegedly barred Alpha Housing Development from selling or developing stands under layout GE98 without municipal consent.
Muleya alleged that the company continued selling stands despite the order.
The court heard that 527 stands valued at US$3,99 million were sold after the court order.
Muleya alleged that a total of 632 stands, valued at about US$4,74 million, were sold in breach of the agreement.
The municipality allegedly suffered prejudice of US$4,74 million.
Nothing had been recovered, Muleya alleged.
The case was remanded to 16 October 2026