Land Baronage Scandal Hits Harare: ED Name-Dropper Accused of Hijacking Stands
A shocking scandal has emerged in Hopely, Harare, where Nomsa Mapfumo, a suspected land baron, has been accused of manipulating the government system to hijack residential stands meant for victims affected by the new highway construction project.
The project, a major infrastructure development that connects to Masvingo Road at Trabablas Interchange, has left 351 residents from Hopely and Southly Park affected.
According to Solomon Muyambo, a representative of the affected residents, Mapfumo has been working in cahoots with Shingira Mushamba, Director of Special Planning at the Ministry of Local Government, to sell the stands to select individuals.
According to Solomon Muyambo, a representative of the affected residents, the stands were supposed to be allocated based on a fair and transparent process.
However, ‘Recently, 75 stands were allocated to victims, but none of the affected residents benefited,’ Muyambo said.
“Instead, Mapfumo and Mushamba are selling the stands to their cronies.”
The scandal turns darker with allegations that Mapfumo has been using her connections to acquire stands meant for the affected residents.
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“In Guillstone farm, 51 stands were not given to the correct beneficiaries,” Muyambo said.
“We have all the documents, including letters to the President and the Minister of Local Government, but it’s shocking to see Mushamba offering papers of the land to Mapfumo.”
Despite efforts to reach out to Nomsa Mapfumo and Shingira Mushamba, they remained unavailable for comment until publication. If found guilty, they could face severe legal consequences.
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Silent Suffering: 3 Families Share Their Struggle for Justice
As the land baronage scandal unfolds, three affected families have come forward to share their heartbreaking stories of displacement and struggle.
Despite their fear of victimisation, they have chosen to remain anonymous, showing immense courage in sharing their stories.
Family 1: “We’ve Lost Everything”
This family, who claim Nomsa Mapfumo is a distant relative, has been renting a small apartment since their home was demolished to make way for the new highway.
“We were promised compensation, but it’s been months, and we’ve heard nothing,” they said.
“We’ve lost our home, our sense of security, and our dignity. We’re struggling to make ends meet, and our children are suffering.”
Family 2: “We’re Living in Limbo”
Displaced by the highway construction, this family rents a room in a crowded neighbourhood.
“We’re living in limbo, unsure of what the future holds,” they said.
“We’ve been promised stands, but we don’t know when we’ll get them. In the meantime, we’re struggling to pay rent and feed our children. It’s a constant struggle to survive.”
Family 3: “We Feel Forgotten”
This family, forced to leave their home of 10 years, is now renting a small house on the outskirts of town.
“We feel forgotten,” they said.
“The government promised us compensation, but it’s been months, and we’ve heard nothing. We’re struggling to make ends meet, and our children are suffering. We just want a place to call home, but it seems like no one cares.”
