The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has confirmed the arrest of Alpha Housing Development (Private) Limited director Jonathan Gapare over allegations that his company unlawfully sold residential stands in Beitbridge, prejudicing the municipality of about US$4.74 million.
Gapare and his company, represented by Zivanai Vhimisai, were arrested on September 24, 2026, and appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba.
They were remanded to October 16 on US$400 bail. Willbrought Muleya represented the State.
According to allegations outlined by ZACC, Beitbridge Town Council resolved in July 2015 to allocate virgin land in the town's high-density suburbs to Alpha Housing Development to prepare a layout plan and develop low-cost housing.
In November 2015, the council entered into a memorandum of understanding with the company to service 600 stands with roads, sewer and water infrastructure and construct 500 low-cost houses.
The houses were to be sold to home seekers as payment for developing the land.
Under the agreement, Alpha Housing Development was expected to hand over 40 low-cost houses and 60 serviced stands to the council for commonage, which would then be remitted to the Ministry of Local Government.
In 2016, the Department of Spatial Planning in Matabeleland South Province prepared and approved layout plan GE98 for Dulibadzimu West, Beitbridge, comprising 1,132 residential stands.
Alpha Housing Development was allocated 600 stands under the arrangement.
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ZACC alleges that Gapare and his company subsequently sold 605 residential stands unlawfully, including stands earmarked for the 40 low-cost houses and 60 commonage stands, and converted the proceeds to personal use.
After discovering the alleged breach, the municipality, through then Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola, demanded the handover of the 40 houses, 60 serviced stands and five stands allegedly sold outside the agreement.
The accused allegedly failed to comply.
In September 2023, the municipality approached the courts seeking an order barring Alpha Housing Development from selling, developing or offering for sale stands under layout GE98 without its consent.
The order was granted.
Despite the court order, ZACC alleges that Alpha Housing Development proceeded to sell a further 527 residential stands valued at US$3.99 million.
This brought the alleged total number of excess stands sold to 632.
The municipality subsequently demanded the handover of the 40 houses, 60 commonage stands and 532 excess stands, or their equivalent value.
According to ZACC, the demands were not met, resulting in an alleged actual prejudice of US$4.74 million, with no recovery made.
The allegations are before the court and have not been tested in trial.
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