HARARE – In a dramatic escalation of alleged corruption implicating the Parliament of Zimbabwe, reports have emerged indicating that an instruction from the top has been given to the Ministry of Local Government to significantly increase the size of land plots being offered to MPs in exchange for political support ahead of the looming impeachment against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
According to reports, legislators are being offered land allocations by the government in exchange for their loyalty, particularly concerning the potential impeachment motion against Mnangagwa and alleged plans to extend his term of office.
Numerous MPs were observed at the Mabelreign District Office in Harare on Wednesday, where land parcels were being distributed.
Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has further reported that the size of the land being distributed has increased from 300 square meters to 1000 square meters. He also reported that some MP’s are being promised US$200,000 U.S. dollars.
The incentives include the extension of their terms to 2030. Mnangagwa himself allegedly wants his term to be extended beyond 2028. This will be done through the amendment of certain provisions of the Constitution.
“A senior local government ministry official has just informed me that they have been instructed to increase the size of the land-for-votes plots from 300 square metres to 1,000 square metres.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), some opposition Members of Parliament gathered at Mabelreign District Office to receive government-owned land in exchange for voting against the impeachment of President Mnangagwa and for supporting the extension of his term of office.
“They have also been promised that their terms will be extended to 2030 after the scrapping of the 2028 elections, along with a US$200,000 sweetener for supporting Mnangagwa against impeachment and backing the extension of his term.
“All Zanu-PF Members of Parliament are getting the land too,” Chin’ono stated.
Chin’ono has released a list of opposition members of parliament who have received land. That list includes, Bridget Nyandoro, Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa, Sengezo Tshabangu, Charles Moyo, Julia Makuwire and Caston Matewu.
It is reported that Charles Moyo, Sengezo Tshabangu, and Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa were not physically present, but were on the list of people who received the land. Also it is reported that Tshabangu received a 2000 square meter plot of land.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has since issued a statement confirming the allocation of residential stands to Members of Parliament from the 8th, 9th, and 10th Parliaments of Zimbabwe.
Ministry said the initiative began in 2013 as a partnership with the Parliament of Zimbabwe to provide residential stands in urban and peri-urban areas as a “once off entitlement” and a “non-monetary benefit” forming part of their conditions of service.
The program has reportedly benefited members from the 8th Parliament (2013-2018), the 9th Parliament (2018-2023), and the current 10th Parliament.
The Ministry stated that Parliament has been allocated residential stands in various locations, including Goromonzi (188), Bulawayo (49), Chiredzi (12), Kadoma (9), and Beit Bridge (5) to date.
The press statement specifically addressed recent activity, confirming that on April 9, 2025, a total of 70 stands were allocated in Killarney – Goromonzi (15), Penrose – Zvimba (15), and Mabelreign – Harare (40).
These allegations have emerged against the backdrop of a highly charged political atmosphere, with a faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party reportedly pushing for Mnangagwa’s impeachment.
The draft impeachment motion cites concerns about the president’s “lack of mental capacity” and allegations of widespread corruption. The motion also includes accusations of economic mismanagement, fraudulent financial practices, and involvement in corrupt deals.
Adding to the controversy, Parliament was abruptly adjourned until May 6, 2025, a move that has fueled speculation about the government’s efforts to suppress the impeachment motion.
The absence of key parliamentary figures, including the Speaker of Parliament and the President of the Senate, who are reportedly abroad, has further heightened these suspicions.
