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Chamisa tells Harare Commission of Inquiry to summon Mnangagwa
09 Dec 2024 at 19:02hrs | Views
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to appear before the Commission of Inquiry amid allegations linking his name to corruption in Harare's land regularisation process.
Chamisa made the demand during his appearance before the Commission on Monday. The inquiry, led by retired Justice Cheda, is investigating the operations of the Harare City Council since 2017. Chamisa was summoned after CCC councillor Blessing Duma alleged that Chamisa had directed the City to regularise settlements.
Chamisa refuted the claims during questioning by evidence leader Thabani Mpofu, maintaining that he had no involvement in issuing directives to councillors.
"Well, I did hear. It is not true in the sense that, first of all, when I listen, there are two names that have been dropped in terms of their leadership roles: President Mnangagwa and President Chamisa. I hope the Commission is also going to tell him to come," Chamisa remarked.
He emphasized that during his tenure as CCC leader, he avoided interfering with council operations.
"I can tell you as a man of God, that is not true. I do not address caucuses. I would never address a few people like the councillors mentioned. If I were to address, I would address maybe the entire group of people. But what is clear is that whatever [Councillor Duma] was saying, he can justify before the Commission," Chamisa said.
The regularisation of settlements in Harare has been marred by allegations of corruption, with some councillors accused of collaborating with land barons to allocate and formalise illegal settlements. This practice has fueled the proliferation of unapproved housing developments, leading to widespread criticism.
Chamisa distanced himself from these activities and expressed concern over the demolition of houses, which he described as unjust and illegal.
"What I am aware of is that people's houses were being destroyed, and I had difficulties understanding why a whole council would destroy people's houses when they had initially allowed them to construct those houses," Chamisa explained.
He further underscored his commitment to justice and the rule of law, stating, "I believe in the protection of property rights and individuals. Naturally, I would have problems with any kind of dispossession where people's houses were destroyed."
Chamisa's demand for Mnangagwa's appearance signals a broader push for accountability in the ongoing inquiry. With both political and legal implications, the Commission's findings are expected to shed light on longstanding issues of corruption and governance within Harare's municipal operations.
Chamisa made the demand during his appearance before the Commission on Monday. The inquiry, led by retired Justice Cheda, is investigating the operations of the Harare City Council since 2017. Chamisa was summoned after CCC councillor Blessing Duma alleged that Chamisa had directed the City to regularise settlements.
Chamisa refuted the claims during questioning by evidence leader Thabani Mpofu, maintaining that he had no involvement in issuing directives to councillors.
"Well, I did hear. It is not true in the sense that, first of all, when I listen, there are two names that have been dropped in terms of their leadership roles: President Mnangagwa and President Chamisa. I hope the Commission is also going to tell him to come," Chamisa remarked.
He emphasized that during his tenure as CCC leader, he avoided interfering with council operations.
"I can tell you as a man of God, that is not true. I do not address caucuses. I would never address a few people like the councillors mentioned. If I were to address, I would address maybe the entire group of people. But what is clear is that whatever [Councillor Duma] was saying, he can justify before the Commission," Chamisa said.
The regularisation of settlements in Harare has been marred by allegations of corruption, with some councillors accused of collaborating with land barons to allocate and formalise illegal settlements. This practice has fueled the proliferation of unapproved housing developments, leading to widespread criticism.
Chamisa distanced himself from these activities and expressed concern over the demolition of houses, which he described as unjust and illegal.
"What I am aware of is that people's houses were being destroyed, and I had difficulties understanding why a whole council would destroy people's houses when they had initially allowed them to construct those houses," Chamisa explained.
He further underscored his commitment to justice and the rule of law, stating, "I believe in the protection of property rights and individuals. Naturally, I would have problems with any kind of dispossession where people's houses were destroyed."
Chamisa's demand for Mnangagwa's appearance signals a broader push for accountability in the ongoing inquiry. With both political and legal implications, the Commission's findings are expected to shed light on longstanding issues of corruption and governance within Harare's municipal operations.
Source - NewZimbabwe
