Residents celebrate the arrest of Chitungwiza land baron

Residents in Chitungwiza have welcomed the arrest of businessman and land baron Dr Frederick Mabamba by anti corruption unit.

Mabamba was arrested Tuesday in connection with abuse of office and illegal allocation of residential stands in the dormitory town.

A resident who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity, said the move to arrest such people who abuses their authority at the expense of struggling citizens is commendable.

“The arrest of Mabamba is a welcome move and we urge the relevant authorities to step up efforts to curb corruption at the municipality,” said the resident.

Mabamba, a former Chitungwiza councilor, through his United Westand Housing Cooperative illegally parceled out residential stands to desperate home seekers on land strictly not for housing activities.

Some of the stands were allocated on wetlands while some structures were built on land designated for schools.

He is also accused of defrauding council of land where he built a school and a shopping mall for personal benefit.

The structures built on wetlands where recently washed away by heavy rains leaving several families homeless.

The arrest comes just days after the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing July Moyo had assured the residents that the government would take action against land barons.

Mabamba a former Chitungwiza councilor is assisting the police with investigation and is expected to appear at the Chitungwiza magistrate court.