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Zanu-PF MP implicated in housing cooperative scandals
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Harare South legislator Trymore Kanopula, popularly known as TK, faces allegations of corruption and misuse of authority in connection with the Simon Muzenda Housing Cooperative. The Zanu-PF lawmaker is accused of involvement in dubious land deals that have left residents of his constituency in turmoil.
The allegations surfaced as disgruntled residents reported irregularities in the cooperative's operations, including the sale of land earmarked for public amenities and wetlands. The cooperative, formed in 2012 to develop 400 stands and essential infrastructure, has been mired in governance challenges, financial opacity, and unresolved disputes.
Sources allege Kanopula exploited his political position to facilitate illegal sales and re-allocations of land intended for clinics and schools. Over 600 stands, including those reserved for public utilities, were reportedly sold without proper authorization. Revenue from these transactions is said to have been misappropriated.
One cooperative member expressed frustration:
"General meetings are no longer held, and there is no accountability. We don't even know where our contributions are going."
Members claim they were asked to pay $30 each to regularize land use, amounting to over $6,000. This money allegedly disappeared without explanation. Residents are further distressed by the absence of title deeds, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.
Kanopula has refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless.
"I don't deal with small cooperatives. If anyone feels aggrieved, they should report it to the police," he said. He also threatened to sue for defamation.
The cooperative's leadership maintains their operations are above board. Gilbert Manatsa, a committee member, claimed:
"These are baseless accusations from people who don't want to see us succeed."
However, the cooperative's suspended secretary, Alec Chingwaru, accused the leadership of financial mismanagement and political interference.
"Their reliance on political interference is evident. They even admitted in court filings that they were directed by MP Kanopula to take legal action against me," Chingwaru said.
This is not the first time Kanopula's name has been linked to land disputes. In September 2023, he was accused by the Pungwe-Chimurenga Housing Cooperative of converting land designated for commercial and public use into residential stands for personal gain.
During his 2023 campaign, Kanopula promised residents title deeds under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's housing scheme. Those promises remain unfulfilled, compounding dissatisfaction among residents.
The ongoing disputes underscore widespread grievances over housing cooperatives in Zimbabwe. Thousands of hopeful homeowners have been left disillusioned by stalled development and lack of accountability. Residents now demand transparency and justice in addressing the mismanagement and corruption that plague the sector.
The High Court is expected to deliberate on the matter soon, as affected parties await a resolution to the deepening crisis.
The allegations surfaced as disgruntled residents reported irregularities in the cooperative's operations, including the sale of land earmarked for public amenities and wetlands. The cooperative, formed in 2012 to develop 400 stands and essential infrastructure, has been mired in governance challenges, financial opacity, and unresolved disputes.
Sources allege Kanopula exploited his political position to facilitate illegal sales and re-allocations of land intended for clinics and schools. Over 600 stands, including those reserved for public utilities, were reportedly sold without proper authorization. Revenue from these transactions is said to have been misappropriated.
One cooperative member expressed frustration:
"General meetings are no longer held, and there is no accountability. We don't even know where our contributions are going."
Members claim they were asked to pay $30 each to regularize land use, amounting to over $6,000. This money allegedly disappeared without explanation. Residents are further distressed by the absence of title deeds, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.
Kanopula has refuted the allegations, dismissing them as baseless.
"I don't deal with small cooperatives. If anyone feels aggrieved, they should report it to the police," he said. He also threatened to sue for defamation.
"These are baseless accusations from people who don't want to see us succeed."
However, the cooperative's suspended secretary, Alec Chingwaru, accused the leadership of financial mismanagement and political interference.
"Their reliance on political interference is evident. They even admitted in court filings that they were directed by MP Kanopula to take legal action against me," Chingwaru said.
This is not the first time Kanopula's name has been linked to land disputes. In September 2023, he was accused by the Pungwe-Chimurenga Housing Cooperative of converting land designated for commercial and public use into residential stands for personal gain.
During his 2023 campaign, Kanopula promised residents title deeds under President Emmerson Mnangagwa's housing scheme. Those promises remain unfulfilled, compounding dissatisfaction among residents.
The ongoing disputes underscore widespread grievances over housing cooperatives in Zimbabwe. Thousands of hopeful homeowners have been left disillusioned by stalled development and lack of accountability. Residents now demand transparency and justice in addressing the mismanagement and corruption that plague the sector.
The High Court is expected to deliberate on the matter soon, as affected parties await a resolution to the deepening crisis.
Source - newzimbabwe
