An average stand costs about $1,500, but desperate buyers were made to pay between $3,500 – $7,000. In an audio recording in possession of this newspaper, one of the council employees had a conversation with a buyer in which he was made to pay $4,500 for an in-fill stand in Dangamvura.
It is alleged that council employees Richard Simbi – a Senior Town Planner, Joachim Gonese – a Valuer and Tonderai Sango – a Planning Officer are part of a racket that includes senior employees who have been charging buyers way above the official price.
An impeccable source from the council’s treasury department confirmed that in some instances there were no official receipts, prejudicing council of revenue worth thousands of dollars.
Some of the buyers have indicated that they were told to sign on affidavits and pieces of paper as proof of payment. It is alleged the employees shared the proceeds among themselves and top council officials.
Last week in a full council meeting city councillors accused employees of parcelling out infill residential stands under unclear circumstances, and castigated Town Clerk Obert Muzawazi for protecting corrupt employees and failing to investigate their activities – thus raising suspicion that he is also involved in the scam. Muzawazi defended himself saying: “I am only involved in the procedures of the stand applications because there is no stand in the city that is sold without my knowledge and signature.
It is very surprising that there has been a lot of noise about the in-fills. If there are any deals we have an audit team that is currently doing their job. As of now I am not aware of any dealings. If we get such reports then we will institute investigations and if anyone is found wanting we will then report the matter to the police.”
He said those who felt they had been robbed should come forward with information. “If we find that there is need for some investigations then we will do that,” he said.
Some councillors argued that council employees had not been paid for eight months, yet managed to buy expensive vehicles and buildings in the city.
“We demand to know how many in-fill residential and industrial stands have been sold now. We also want to know the procedure used,” said councillor Tarwirei Mabika.
Councillors have been demanding an audit of land sales for some time but it has not been forthcoming. They now plan to appeal to Provincial Administrator Fungai Mbetsa to set up a commission to investigate how the stands were being sold.
An employee from the human resources department who cannot be named said: “The writing is already on the wall. The lifestyles some employees are living is not commensurate with what they are earning. I cannot be quick to say they are using money from illicit land deals – maybe they have other sources of income besides salaries from the council.”
Mutare Mayor Tatenda Nhamarare said: “I do not comment on allegations that have not been reported to the relevant offices.”
Caption: Bigfoster Nkomose: Zimbabwe belongs to all of us and we must be seen doing something to better its future.
Post published in: News