Chamisa testifies before commission, denies involvement in corrupt CCC land deals in Harare

The former leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, appeared before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry on Monday, to respond to allegations that he directed councillors to fast-track the regularisation of housing cooperatives in Harare ahead of the 2023 harmonised elections.

The allegations were made by Councillor Blessing Duma in an audio allegedly sent to fellow councillors during the election campaign.

Despite citing reservations about the commission’s foundation, Chamisa denied any involvement in the matter, stating that he has no authority to comment on local authority issues.

He stated that urban councils are governed by the Urban Councils Act and that decisions are made through council committees or full council motions, not by external actors or political parties.

During the hearing, an audio recording featuring Duma was played, which mentioned Chamisa’s name in connection with the regularisation process. However, Chamisa said he questioned the authenticity and veracity of the recording, noting its “amateurish” presentation.

Chamisa also pointed out that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name was mentioned in the same audio recording, suggesting that if he was summoned to appear before the commission, Mnangagwa should also be summoned.

“An audio was played at the hearing, said to be of the councillor referring to me as a leader of a party. It’s amateurish presentation, played from a phone, raised questions about its authenticity and veracity. Yet, I responded to avoid embarrassing the commission.

“For the record, I would not recognise the named councillor if we met face to face. The voice on the audio also mentioned Mr Mnangagwa.

“I pointed out that if my presence was deemed necessary, based merely on this audio, then the same courtesy should surely be extended to Mr Mnangagwa, whose name was also mentioned,” Chamisa said in a statement.

The commission’s investigation has uncovered several allegations of corruption, maladministration, and incompetence within the Harare City Council, including the spending of US$11 million on workshops within five months.

The council’s business units, such as Harare Quarry and Rufaro Marketing, are also accused of failing to submit books for auditing and to account for millions.

Chamisa took the opportunity to condemn the destruction of people’s homes in Harare, describing it as “criminal, sadistic, and inhumane.” He emphasised the need for genuine accountability and action to address the root causes of the governance crisis.

“I wish to state the following for the record; as a human rights defender, a justice champion and a consummate constitutionalist, I strongly condemn the destruction of people’s homes.

“Using bulldozers to erase lives and livelihoods is criminal, sadistic and inhumane. This is not justice; it is evidence of systemic leadership failure and a mockery of human rights.

“This governance crisis cannot be resolved by malicious intent and unwarranted targeting of innocent individuals through commissions. It requires genuine accountability and action to address the root causes.

“Corruption, maladministration, and bad governance are eroding our towns, cities, and country. These cancers must be rooted out. Local governance has become a theatre of incompetence and impunity.

“It is a crisis compounded by a small grouping that weaponises inquiries to distract from its dire failures. It is time to hold accountable those truly responsible for this decay,” he said.

The commission’s findings will be submitted to the President.