The association has come under fire for illegally extorting cash from informal traders at market stalls in Mbare, along with a host of other unlawful practices.
Zanu (PF) youths with links to the controversial residents association have illegally occupied council land in Mbare where they are distributing market stalls along partisan lines. The development has seen the victimisation of vendors perceived to be supporters of the MDC-T.
Bribery and corruption
Recently, Kunaka defended the legitimacy of his residents’ association when he appeared in court. The case involved allegations that two Mashwede Diesel employees tried to bribe Kunaka to use his influence in Mbare to ensure the continuation of the construction of a food court by businessman, Alex Mashamhanda.
“The Mbare Residents Association is an association which represents the interests of the people of Mbare. It came after the realisation that most of the councilors in the area are corrupt and can not stand for the interests of the residents,” Kunaka told the court. However, Kunaka led a group of Zanu (PF) supporters operating under the auspices of the Mbare Residents Association to block the construction of a food court and service station by Mashamhanda claiming the former was an MDC-T member and his project was not going to benefit Zanu (PF) youths. The project would have provided jobs for unemployed youths in Mbare. At one time, Mashamhanda was assaulted at the site by the rowdy Zanu (PF) youths.
Illegal market stalls
Recently, Zanu (PF) youths with links to Chipangano and the Mbare Residents Association invaded a piece of land opposite the area where Mashamhanda was supposed to construct his service station and food court. Illegal market stalls have been set up and the beneficiaries are not paying rentals to council.
When contacted for comment over the alleged illegal activities of his association, Kunaka fumed and said, “We are a genuine residents association. Who told you that we are not representing the interests of the people and all the illegal activities you are talking about? If you cannot tell me the name of that person, then I cannot talk to you.”
MDC-T Member of Parliament for Mbare, Piniel Denga, has often accused Zanu (PF) youths of stifling development in the area. Denga told The Zimbabwean that the Mbare Residents Association was bogus and meant to extort money from residents.
Swindling residents
“It’s an organization meant to solicit money from people. It’s meant to swindle desperate residents and there is nothing genuine about this Mbare Residents Association,” said Denga.
Besides the illegal invasion of council land in Mbare, the Mbare Residents Association has gone on a rampage invading council properties, with Kunaka claiming he is the rightful owner of Number 5 Special house.
Commuter omnibus crews have not been spared as they are being forced to fork out money for operating at various termini in Mbare.
Post published in: News