CCC councillor faces arrest over Mabelreign illegal structures

An opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor is facing possible arrest after residents of Mabelreign in Harare petitioned authorities over allegedly unlawful structures that were recently demolished in the suburb.

The petition, dated April 11, was submitted to Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, provincial officials and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), calling for investigations into the project.

Residents allege that Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore and a local businessman facilitated construction on land that is officially zoned as a public car park.

They claim the site was never legally converted for commercial use and that no full council resolution was passed authorising permanent development.

"The site remains legally zoned as a public parking area, and no valid full council resolution was ever made to convert it to commercial use," the petition reads.

Residents further argue that affected businesses at Mabelreign shopping centre were not consulted, in violation of standard planning procedures.

According to the petition, council records only referenced a temporary market proposal discussed at committee level, not a permanent structure. Despite this, brick-and-mortar buildings were allegedly erected before being demolished following public backlash.

The residents are demanding full disclosure of council resolutions, procurement records, approvals and ownership details linked to the project, some within 72 hours.

They have also called on ZACC to investigate possible abuse of office and unauthorised construction activities.

ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu said the commission would verify whether it had received the petition and respond accordingly.

The case has intensified scrutiny over land use governance and approval processes in Harare, with residents pushing for accountability in local development decisions.