Two Harare City Council officials convicted in illegal land deal scandal

ZIMSPHERE

HARARE – Two senior officials of the Harare City Council have been found guilty of criminal abuse of duty charges after being implicated in illegal land deals, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported. 

Stanley Ndemera, the Acting Finance Director, and Emmanuel Mutambirwa, the Valuations and Estate Manager, were convicted by the Harare High Court for their roles in the unlawful sale of three commercial stands.

Ndemerwa and Mutambirwa facilitated the sale of the land, which was under an existing lease agreement with the Old Hararians Sports Club. 

The sales also violated the council's 2005 resolution prohibiting the sale of land without a public tender process.

Furthermore, the accused failed to secure an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, institute proper change of reservation procedures, and comply with the notification requirements under the Urban Councils Act.

Initially, four individuals were charged, but Hebert Gomba, the first accused, was discharged at the close of the state's case, while Daniel Usingarohwe, the fourth accused, was acquitted.

The convicted officials have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 24, 2024.