A high-profile corruption scandal has hit the Harare City Council, with former Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni and ex-Acting Town Clerk Josephine Ncube facing charges of criminal abuse of duty. The duo allegedly unlawfully amended a land development agreement between the City of Harare and Shelter Zimbabwe, resulting in a whopping $20 million revenue loss for the city.
In 2013, the Harare City Council partnered with Shelter Zimbabwe to develop 1,500 residential stands on 657 hectares in Tafara, Mabvuku. The original agreement stipulated that Shelter Zimbabwe would handle infrastructure development, while the Council would allocate and sell the stands, reimbursing Shelter Zimbabwe thereafter. However, in 2017, Manyenyeni and Ncube altered the agreement, allowing Shelter Zimbabwe to sell un-serviced stands. The organization sold the stands but failed to develop the land or remit the funds to the local authority.
Manyenyeni’s tenure as Mayor from 2013 to 2018 was marred by controversy. In 2016, he was suspended and arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over allegations of criminal abuse of public office related to the appointment of James Mushore as Harare’s town clerk.
Ncube’s appointment and tenure as Acting Town Clerk were also shrouded in controversy, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds. A government-sanctioned audit revealed extravagant use of ratepayers’ money, including hefty bonuses and holiday allowances paid to top officials without proper documentation or council approval. Ncube allegedly received $40,000 as holiday allowance and $122,000 as performance bonus, despite no performance appraisal being done.
Manyenyeni and Ncube are set to appear at the Harare Magistrate Court on April 16, 2025, to face charges of criminal abuse of duty. The case has sparked widespread interest, with many Zimbabweans eagerly awaiting the outcome. Will justice be served, or will the duo find a way to wriggle out of trouble?
end//..
