Zacc probes Kasukuwere over stands

THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has opened an investigation into how Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere (pictured) has handled allocations of residential stands at Chishawasha B Farm.

The probe follows questions raised by President Mugabe over allegations that Minister Kasukuwere could have sold land meant for youths, women and civil servants. More than 300 A1 farmers from the area last week demonstrated against the minister, accusing him of parcelling out their land.

Zacc spokesperson Ms Phyllis Chikundura said she could not immediately verify if an investigation of Minister Kasukuwere was underway as she was out of office, and referred this publication to the commission's secretary, Senior Assistant Commissioner Silas Pondo.

Snr Asst Comm Pondo's mobile phone went unanswered yesterday. However, Zacc investigators told our Harare Bureau that Minister Kasukuwere would have to answer questions on his role in the alleged improper sale of 300 hectares of land.

"Everyone who was involved in the transactions will be interviewed as we try to get to the bottom of the matter," said an investigator.

The 300ha in Chishawasha B was reportedly sold to Planet Africa — a company owned by Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya. The clergyman paid a US$100 000 deposit for the land, and by yesterday it could not be established what the total transaction value was.

"An active investigation is currently underway on Minister Kasukuwere to establish if he has a case to answer on the sale of land in Chishawasha. The probe is likely to be completed before the end of this month," said a source.

Approached for comment yesterday, Minister Kasukuwere asked for questions in writing, which he had not responded to by the time of going to print.

Efforts to get him to respond to the written questions attracted the reaction: "Iwe, ndakuudza kuti usandinetse. I told you to send your questions in writing."

Prophet Magaya, speaking to journalists at PHD's Night of Turnaround 5 in Harare yesterday morning, said he merely bought the land and was unaware at the time of any issues surrounding it.

"To be honest with you, the accusations about the stands were never addressed to me. I didn't take anyone's land; I didn't do anything illegal; whatever I have done was above board. I am not aware of any accusations levelled against me. What I know is that I bought land through proper channels and if there is anything wrong I should have been notified. There was no connivance whatsoever (with Minister Kasukuwere). All I heard was 'you have sold land to Magaya'. I don't think it's an allegation, it's just a question."