The deal, in which Chiyangwa was to acquire the vast tracts of prime land in Redcliff at a cost of $658 000, was signed last year. Part of the agreement was that Chiyangwa pay half of the total, which he did. But the council now says it undercharged him.
Council’s argument was that they had charged Chiyangwa $0,30 cents per square metre of commercial land instead of the correct $0,70 cents.
Bur the former Mashonaland West Zanu (PF) chairman says he will not accept that and plans to sue the council.
“I have realised that there were fraudulent things done by their authorities,” Chiyangwa told The Zimbabwean. ********
He added that after he had paid the $300 000 the council had asked for as initial payment, he failed to be furnished with title deeds.
“My own investigations have revealed that the land was in the name of Steel Makers. I am preparing papers to take the council to court,” Chiyangwa said.
The Mayor, Joseph Matewa, said it was not true the land belonged to Steel Makers.
“Chiyangwa should not fight his wars in the media. We told him we could no longer move forward on the deal and he will get back his money. That land was the property of council,” he said.
It is understood Redcliff council which is in constant financial problems, used the money from Chiyangwa to settle arrears on its wage bill.
A source said it would be difficult for council to pay back Chiyangwa his money because of the financial problems it is facing.
A top official at the council management agreed that the local authority is in serious financial crisis because its lifeline ZISCO, recently acquired by Essar Holdings of Mauritus, has not yet assumed full-scale production.
Post published in: Economy