Former Zanu-PF MP alleges partisan allocation of stands

Former ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Mbizo constituency, Vongaiishe Mupereri, has alleged that residential stands in Mbizo are being allocated exclusively to supporters of the ruling party.

Mupereri made the claims this week during a tour of 157 newly allocated council stands in Mbizo 18. He further alleged that the management of Kwekwe City Council is captured by ZANU PF, a situation he said enables the party to exert control over council operations.

Addressing beneficiaries, Mupereri suggested that access to residential stands was linked to political affiliation, claiming that ZANU PF supporters were prioritised in the allocation process.

"Council showed me the people they allocated stands to, and they are all residents of Mbizo. However, if you do not come through ‘father Mbizo', you will not get stands. You should come through me so that I engage council on your behalf. If you are not a ZANU PF member in Mbizo, you might end up getting a stand in Amaveni," said Mupereri.

He added that the party intended to ensure that its supporters benefited from land allocations, expressing appreciation to council officials for their cooperation and controversially inviting the mayor to join ZANU PF.

Kwekwe Mayor Albert Zinhanga strongly refuted the allegations, insisting that council does not allocate residential stands based on political affiliation.

"Council does not consider one's political affiliation when allocating stands. We follow the official waiting list and adhere to the Constitution, which requires that 20 percent of stands be reserved for special groups," said Zinhanga.

The claims have sparked debate over transparency and political neutrality in local authority land allocation processes in Kwekwe.