COUNCIL INVESTIGATES EVICTED WOMAN’S CASE
INVESTIGATIONS to expose a City of Harare employee who changed house ownership without supporting paperwork leading to the eviction of a Mbare elderly woman have begun.
In a report dated June 21, 2021 signed by Acting Chief Security Officer Manyere, the name change happened in the council system and Memory Machiri’s name replaced the late Shadreck Ndlovu’s name, but there is no corresponding paperwork to back the change.
“Investigations are yet to establish how the change in name was effected without the necessary paperwork and by who,” reads part of the report.
“Whatever wrangle there is, is between illegal occupiers of the same room who have no title to room C29.
“Gogo Gladys Ndlovu has been sleeping in the open owing to this wrangle with Machiri,” reads part of the report.
Council has resolved that Gogo Ndlovu’s plight is a welfare case needing urgent attention.
“Representations can be made to Director of Housing and Community Services to try and find a lasting solution in the form of suitable accommodation which she can afford, including ensuring that whatever accommodation she gets, Council receives its rent.
“Director of Housing and Community Services to take appropriate action to evict Machiri from Room C29 Block 7, Matapi Hostel.
“Upon completion of investigations, disciplinary action should be taken against the employee who changed the name of a legal allottee in the system from Shadreck Ndlovu to Memory Chiri without supporting paperwork,” reads part of the report recommendation.
Gogo Ndlovu, who has been sleeping outside the apartment, told H-Metro that apart from being exposed to cold weather, she has been losing her belongings to thieves during the night.
“I am glad that Council has heard my plight and promised to evict Machiri from my room,” said Gogo Ndlovu.
“Residents have been donating blankets, food and warm clothes, but thieves are taking them from me when I sleep at night.
“I need something like $25 000 to clear arrears at City Council in order to enter the room peacefully,” said Gogo Ndlovu.
Machiri promised to leave the apartment upon receiving money she has been paying to council following her successful illegal change of name. She occupied the room after Gogo Ndlovu went to her village to heal from a broken leg.