New Dawn Scheme Chair Charged for Allocating 49 Il...

New Dawn Scheme Chair Charged for Allocating 49 Illegal Residential Stands

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

The chairman of New Dawn Housing Pay Scheme, Voyage Dhambuza, has been charged with unlawfully developing municipal land in Crowbrough without authorisation from the City of Harare.

Dhambuza, 41, of Warren Park D, appeared before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts and is set to return on January 13, 2025.

The case, brought forward by the City of Harare, is represented by its housing director, Samuel Nyabezi. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the allegations, which date back to 2016 when Dhambuza formed the New Dawn Housing Pay Scheme, a trust with a membership of 49 people.

In 2022, Dhambuza reportedly identified and occupied a 7.4-hectare parcel of municipal land in Crowbrough, registered as Stand 4273. Without seeking approval from the Harare City Council, he opened roads, pegged 49 residential stands measuring 300 square meters each, and allocated them to desperate home seekers.

Despite warnings from the City of Harare to cease these activities, Dhambuza allegedly ignored the directives, leading to the construction of two houses on the site without official consent.

The unauthorised development came to light when city officials observed the opened roads and ongoing construction. A report was subsequently made to the police.

Investigations revealed that Dhambuza had violated Section 24(1)(4) of the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12] by invading and allocating council land without lawful authority.

The court proceedings continue as the City of Harare seeks accountability for the unauthorised use of public land.