ZACC arrests opposition MP for 'illegal' land occupation

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Patrick Sagandira, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament for Makoni Central, on allegations of unlawfully occupying and developing State land.

Sagandira, whose constituency includes Rusape in Manicaland province, was detained on Friday following accusations that he illegally allocated himself a 300-square-meter stand of State land in 2023 without obtaining a lease or permit from the Rusape Town Council, violating Section 63 of the Land Commission Act [Chapter 20:04].

According to the Rusape Town Council's land plan, the parcel was designated for parking and landscaping purposes. However, Sagandira is alleged to have constructed structures on the site housing his grinding mill business. Furthermore, he reportedly leased parts of these unauthorized buildings to two tenants operating a furniture shop and a brick-moulding business.

Despite the council's directives for Sagandira to demolish the illegal structures under Section 32 of the Regional and Town Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], the legislator allegedly disregarded the order, continuing his business activities and subletting the premises.

Following a formal complaint to ZACC, investigations culminated in Sagandira's arrest. He is scheduled to appear at Mutare Magistrates Court today, June 21, 2025, for an initial remand hearing.