Zanu PF suspends Mutare DCC members over land scandal, legal battle ensues
In a major internal crackdown, Zanu PF has suspended five members of the Mutare District Coordination Committee (DCC) for alleged indiscipline and their involvement in the illegal parcelling out of land in the Gimboki area of Mutare, using the party’s name as a cover.
The suspended individuals include Mutare DCC chairman Binali Yard and executive members Brian Marange, Tawanda Ndawe, Webster Mudzimwa, and Trust Matimba.
Cde Sam Matema, Zanu PF Manicaland provincial secretary for information and publicity, confirmed the disciplinary action, stating that the suspensions were a result of the members’ indiscipline and illegal activities related to the unauthorized allocation of land in the Gimboki area, all done under the guise of the ruling party’s name. Cde Matema emphasized that Zanu PF is a principled and disciplined party that does not tolerate indiscipline or corrupt practices.
The suspended members recently faced legal consequences as they were arrested by a team of detectives from the police CID Anti-Corruption Unit and CID Homicide from Harare. They now face charges of contravening the Regional Town and Country Planning Act, specifically Section 24 (1) and Section 24 (4), for unlawfully carrying out development without permission or alternatively criminal trespass under the criminal code.
During their court appearance before Mutare provincial magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe, Yard, Marange, Ndawe, Mudzimwa, and Matimba were remanded in custody until December 29. The decision to deny them bail was based on several factors, including Yard’s previous attempt to evade the police during a high-speed chase in Mutare.
Additionally, the court noted that the police had been unsuccessful in apprehending the accused individuals since September, requiring the intervention of law enforcement agents from Harare. The ruling also highlighted concerns that the accused might utilize their political influence to intimidate witnesses, as Yard had reportedly threatened some witnesses from Mutare City Council, who are the complainants in the case.
Legal representation for the five suspended members, Mr Chris Ndlovu of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners, is diligently pursuing an appeal at the High Court to challenge the no-bail ruling. While awaiting the written response from the State, Mr Ndlovu expressed determination to advocate for his clients’ release.
The unfolding situation serves as a stern reminder that Zanu PF expects its members to adhere to principles of legality, discipline, and ethical behaviour. As the legal battle ensues, the party aims to uphold its reputation and ensure that the concerns of the citizens are addressed through legal and orderly means, without tarnishing the name of the revolutionary mass party.
