Manyenyeni, Ncube Face Court Today Following Arrest Over $20M Land Deal
HARARE – Former Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni and former Acting Town Clerk Josephine Ncube are scheduled to appear in the Harare Magistrates’ Court today on charges of criminal abuse of duty.
They allegedly altered a land development agreement between the City of Harare and Shelter Zimbabwe, resulting in a reported $20 million revenue loss for the municipality.
The agreement, signed in 2013, approved the development of 1,500 residential stands on 657 hectares in Tafara, Mabvuku.
Under the original terms, the council was tasked with servicing and selling the stands, while Shelter Zimbabwe managed infrastructure development.
However, in 2017, Manyenyeni and Ncube allegedly amended the agreement, granting Shelter Zimbabwe permission to sell un-serviced stands.
Shelter Zimbabwe sold the stands but did not complete the development or transfer proceeds to the city.
The Herald reports that the alleged irregularities resulted in significant financial losses for Harare.
Authorities are still investigating the case as the former officials prepare to appear in court today.
