Land baron Mabamba faces arrest

BUSINESSMAN and former Chitungwiza Ward 25 councillor Fredrick Mabamba is facing arrest for allegedly selling State land meant for a school to more than 120 home-seekers in the satellite town.

The home seekers allege that Mabamba pocketed more than $500 000, although he did not pay for the land in question and now Chitungwiza Municipality was demanding $1 500 from residents to regularise their stay.

More than 50 land barons, including Mabamba, are already appearing in court for allegedly selling State and council land in Harare.

According to a letter written by Town Clerk Mr George Makunde addressed to “Mabamba Res- idents” dated June 9 this year, council is demanding payment from the home seekers to regularise their stay.

“Please be advised that your members have to pay $1 500 each penalty fee for occupying State land without authority to kick start regularisation process,” reads the letter.

“Mabamba residents” allege that they paid money around $5 000 each to Mabamba through his United We Stand Cooperative, thinking that they were genuine stands.

“We did not know that the land was earmarked for other purposes. We were told to pay and start building but to our surprise we are now being asked to pay to regularise our stay when we thought we were genuine landlords,” said a resident.