Ex mayor manyenyeni arrested for 2013 case of $20million fraud

Former Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni and ex-Acting Town Clerk Josephine Ncube were arrested yesterday on charges of criminal abuse of duty, in connection with a controversial land development agreement that allegedly cost the city council an estimated $20 million.

The charges originate from the amendment of a 2013 agreement between the City of Harare and Shelter Zimbabwe for the development of 1,500 residential stands on 657 hectares in Tafara, Mabvuku.

By Vongai Masuka

 Under the original terms, the council was responsible for allocating and selling the stands after Shelter Zimbabwe completed infrastructure development, with reimbursement to follow.

However, in 2017, while Manyenyeni served as Mayor and Ncube as Acting Town Clerk, the agreement was reportedly altered, granting Shelter Zimbabwe the authority to sell un-serviced stands.

According to the allegations, Shelter Zimbabwe proceeded to sell the stands but failed to develop the land or remit the proceeds to the Harare City Council, resulting in a great financial loss for the local authority.

The two former officials are scheduled to appear at the Harare Magistrate Court later today, to face the charges.