HARARE – Former Cabinet Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has called for legal action to halt the Zimbabwean government’s controversial land allocations to parliamentarians, stating, “go to court and stop the nonsense.”
His call comes amidst escalating allegations of land-for-votes schemes, where MPs are reportedly being offered land in exchange for political loyalty, particularly concerning potential impeachment proceedings against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Joanah Mamombe, the Harare West MP, which includes the Mabelreign area where some of the land distribution is alleged to have occurred, has also voiced strong opposition.
Mamombe further indicated her intent to work with Councillor Denford Ngadziore to challenge the land seizures, particularly those affecting greenways intended for community use.
“We can’t be called Honourable when we are horrible!
“Together with Councillor Denford Ngadziore we’re engaging the Ministry of Local Govt to urgently review the seizure of our Harare West greenways especially the site meant for Community Sports Centre. Our 3rd space must be protected,” Mamombe stated.
In response to Mamombe Kasukuwere has called for legal intervention.
“Go to court and stop the nonsense. Public space unless gazetted and obtained the consent or objections can’t be parcelled out without following the rules,” the exiled former Zanu-PF bigwig stated.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has since confirmed the distribution of residential stands to legislators.
The Ministry maintained that the land allocations are part of a long-standing program to provide residential stands to MPs as a non-monetary benefit.
They confirmed that 70 stands were recently allocated in various locations, including Mabelreign, which has become a focal point of the controversy.
These developments occur against a backdrop of political tension, with allegations of a faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party seeking Mnangagwa’s impeachment.
The abrupt adjournment of Parliament and the absence of key parliamentary figures have further fueled speculation about the government’s motives with others suggesting that it was meant to delay the tabling of the impeachment motion.
A circulated draft impeachment motion against Mnangagwa lays out a series of accusations. Among them, it alleges ‘severe cognitive decline’ attributed to ‘vascular dementia,’ claiming this renders him unfit for presidential duties.
The motion further levels charges of fraudulent Treasury Bill issuance, holding these actions responsible for the subsequent currency collapse and substantial financial losses.
The document details allegations of illicit privatization of state assets, money laundering, and corrupt dealings connected to the e-passport system and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
It further asserts that presidential programs were utilized for personal enrichment, that the Constitution was undermined, and that individuals involved in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission fraud scandal were protected.
The President is additionally blamed for an unsustainable increase in the national debt. The motion links him to the issuance of illegal drug permits to close associates and accuses him of attempting to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.
To investigate the grounds for impeachment under Section 97(1)(c) and (d) of the Constitution, the draft motion demands a joint session of the Senate and National Assembly.
