The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has confirmed the arrest of Chegutu Municipality Town Clerk Jacob Chikuruwo over the alleged irregular sale of 5.1 hectares of land to Flying Pot Private Limited.
Chikuruwo is facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer, alternatively fraud.
According to allegations presented before the court, Chikuruwo, who was serving as the municipality’s Chamber Secretary between 2011 and 2013, allegedly failed to advise the council on the procedures required before disposing of the land.
The State alleges that he did not advise council to advertise the proposed sale or to obtain approval for a change of land use from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
As a result, the land was allegedly sold without following the required procedures.
The matter stems from a 99-year lease agreement entered into between Chegutu Municipality and the late businessman Edward Pfugare in 1994 for the development of a restaurant and recreational facilities on a 12.3-hectare stand.
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Between 2010 and 2012, the municipality entered into negotiations with Pfugare to subdivide the leased property and sell him a 5.1-hectare portion.
Council subsequently resolved on August 15, 2012, to sell the excised portion to Pfugare for US$561,000.
However, investigations allegedly established that Pfugare had already paid a US$50,000 deposit for the land before the council resolution authorising the sale had been passed.
ZACC said Chikuruwo’s alleged failure to ensure compliance with the required procedures formed the basis of the criminal charge.
Chikuruwo appeared before Chegutu magistrate Sharon Mashavira and was remanded to September 4 on US$100 bail.
Abigirl Fana prosecuted for the State.
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