Top Zanu-PF officials detained over Rhodes property

Police recently swooped on seven Zanu-PF officials from the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board and the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment who had allegedly connived to collect rentals from a property believed to have been owned by the British colonial looter, Cecil John Rhodes, after they clandestinely turned the property into an indigenous entity.

Three of the officials are stationed at Nieeb while the remainder comprises directors in the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment.

It is understood the covert scheme, which has been running for a year, has resulted in the resignation of one of the officials. According to information gathered last week, the late Rhodes, who died in 1902, left vast properties throughout Zimbabwe to his nephews, who operated a company trading under the name Loreley (Private) Limited.

The properties, however, went unclaimed after the nephews died. Although police remained mum on the matter for fear of scuttling investigations, it is alleged the officials took advantage of their portfolios to "dispose" the property to their acquaintances after declaring it as an indigenous entity. They then allegedly collected substantial sums in rentals via their conduits throughout the year.

Although the property appears not to feature in Rhodes' voluminous will, it is located along the Harare-Mutare road, a few kilometres from central Harare. It houses mainly car sales, among other businesses.

The Sunday Mail reports that the company Loreley (Private) Limited was registered under File Number 122/  73, but its profile is missing from the Registrar of Companies' files.

The alleged corruption came to light after police received information regarding the clandestine arrangement.  The officials were subsequently detained in October and questioned before being released as investigations continue.

Another top official from the ministry is said to have fled through a backdoor when detectives visited his office on the same day. Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Minister Francis Nhema confirmed that the officials were detained by officers from the Commercial Crimes Unit and Criminal Investigations Department (CID). He, however, refused to divulge more details when pressed further.

"Yes, I understand it happened (the detention), but there is really nothing to write home about. It happened some time ago," said Nhema.

Nieeb chief executive Mr Wilson Gwatiringa also confirmed the detention. "There was certain information the law enforcement agents were looking for and we have given them," he said.

"I, however, do not think there is anything amiss about the police doing that because they were doing their work. I think it is just a damp squib."

Sources said six of the officials were detained and questioned for six hours while the seventh, who was out of town at the time, was picked up the following week.

The seventh official is accused of signing a letter, which declared the property as an indigenous entity. He is, however, denying the charge, saying his signature was forged.

"The letter declaring the property indigenous had his signature, but he insists that his signature was forged," said the sources privy to the case.