Zanu-PF official ordered to vacate Borrowdale shebeen

Pardon Chibamu, a senior Zanu-PF official, has been ordered by the Mashonaland E Magistrates Court to immediately vacate a Borrowdale home that he allegedly seized from a widow and turned into a shebeen. Chibamu, who is a provincial member of Mashonaland East, reportedly took advantage of Victoria Matunga following the death of her husband to illegally take possession of the property.

Matunga, who had leased the home to Chibamu as a source of income, claims that after agreeing to the lease terms, Chibamu failed to uphold his part of the agreement. Instead of paying the agreed-upon rent, he rented the property out to one Prince Chenzara and other tenants without Matunga's consent, and further refused to honor the rental payments. Chibamu allegedly used his political influence, name-dropping powerful Zanu-PF figures, to intimidate and threaten Matunga whenever she sought to enforce the agreement.

The property, located in an upmarket residential area, was initially intended as a source of income for Matunga. However, Chibamu reportedly turned the house into a boarding house, which he later converted into a shebeen. This led to complaints from residents about the negative social impact of the establishment, including noise and other disturbances.

One local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration, saying, "This is not the kind of neighborhood you would expect to find a shebeen, with all the noise and social issues it brings. We have tried to have it shut down, but our efforts have been in vain as no one has come to our help."

Despite repeated requests for payment, Chibamu reportedly failed to pay two years' worth of rent, totaling US$5,119. After exhausting other options, Matunga took the matter to court, seeking an order for his eviction.

The Magistrates Court issued a ruling that Chibamu and his tenants must vacate the premises immediately. The court order, addressed to the Messenger of Court, states: "You are directed to eject the said Defendant Prince Chenzara and all those claiming occupation through him from the premises at 5 Sable Street, Borrowdale West, Harare. You are also required to attach and take into execution the property of the Defendant to recover the sum of US$5,119."

Chibamu, who is widely known as "The Bulldozer" in political circles, has yet to vacate the property despite the court's order. His continued refusal to comply with the eviction notice has raised further concerns, as residents and Matunga await the enforcement of the court's decision.

The case has drawn attention to the misuse of political power and the challenges faced by ordinary Zimbabweans when seeking justice against influential individuals.