News / National
Zanu-PF benefactor, Harare in nasty property fight
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A dispute has erupted in Mbare, Harare, after JB Family, a company owned by young entrepreneur and Zanu-PF benefactor Blessed Charakupa, was accused of illegally seizing and demolishing a property belonging to the Harare City Council (HCC).
The contested site, previously used as a vocational training and rehabilitation centre, had reportedly been leased by council to another entity, Public Hygienic Eye, under an urban renewal programme targeting derelict properties.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed this week that JB Family was not the lawful occupant of the property. He warned that any unauthorised developments would be demolished.
"We have been informed by the local councillor that the said property was legally leased to someone else, not JB Family. If there are space barons who rushed to occupy the place, council will take all necessary steps to remove any illegal structures," Mafume said.
Ward councillor Bornface Maburutse also confirmed that the lease had been awarded to Public Hygienic Eye, which was contractually obliged to establish a vocational skills training centre in Budiriro and redevelop parts of the Chinembiri Vocational Centre in Mbare.
"We were surprised that some space barons just allocated themselves land at the area without any agreement with council. This is unheard of, and we will fight land baronism to ensure the rightful occupant takes possession," Maburutse said.
Despite these assertions, JB Family has already converted the disputed property into tuckshops, drawing criticism from residents and local leaders. Council sources allege the company demolished existing vocational training structures during its takeover.
Community members have voiced frustration at the loss of a key social facility, warning that the new commercial use could undermine both youth development initiatives and the local economy.
The City of Harare has since launched an investigation into the matter to establish how JB Family encroached on the property and whether any zoning or contractual agreements were violated.
The contested site, previously used as a vocational training and rehabilitation centre, had reportedly been leased by council to another entity, Public Hygienic Eye, under an urban renewal programme targeting derelict properties.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed this week that JB Family was not the lawful occupant of the property. He warned that any unauthorised developments would be demolished.
"We have been informed by the local councillor that the said property was legally leased to someone else, not JB Family. If there are space barons who rushed to occupy the place, council will take all necessary steps to remove any illegal structures," Mafume said.
Ward councillor Bornface Maburutse also confirmed that the lease had been awarded to Public Hygienic Eye, which was contractually obliged to establish a vocational skills training centre in Budiriro and redevelop parts of the Chinembiri Vocational Centre in Mbare.
"We were surprised that some space barons just allocated themselves land at the area without any agreement with council. This is unheard of, and we will fight land baronism to ensure the rightful occupant takes possession," Maburutse said.
Despite these assertions, JB Family has already converted the disputed property into tuckshops, drawing criticism from residents and local leaders. Council sources allege the company demolished existing vocational training structures during its takeover.
Community members have voiced frustration at the loss of a key social facility, warning that the new commercial use could undermine both youth development initiatives and the local economy.
The City of Harare has since launched an investigation into the matter to establish how JB Family encroached on the property and whether any zoning or contractual agreements were violated.
Source - Newsday
