Gweru (New Ziana) – Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe has been implicated in a shoddy land deal which has seen City Housing and Community Services director Shingirayi Tigere appearing before the courts.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Tigere for unprocedurally selling reserved land to Makombe.

The land was valued at RTGS $166 735.30.

It is the state case that Tigere abused his office as Housing and Community Services director when he effected the sale of reserved stand being the remainder of Lot 17 of Bickford of the Umsungwe Block measuring 7 801 square meters.

“This stand can only be disposed upon approval of change of reservation from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works,” the state alleges in court papers.

“Despite this procedure, accused proceeded to sell the stand to Josiah Makombe, the City of Gweru sitting Mayor without Ministerial approval. The accused acted unlawfully and contrary to or inconsistent with his duties as a public officer by showing favor to Josiah Makombe.”

Gweru acting Town Clerk Vakai Chikwekwe is the complainant.

The Zimbabwe government has embarked on a mission to stamp out corruption which had taken root in local authorities and the exercise has seen a number of council officials being arrested and hauled before the courts.

In Harare two successive mayors were arrested on charges related to parceling out pieces of land to relatives and friends while a number of senior council officials are facing similar charges.
New Ziana