Losing Zanu PF MP Mukwangariwa illegally exhumes graves to pave way for land dvt in Nyabira
The general manager of the contracted land developer Leengate said he was not qualified to speak on behalf of the alleged illegal 'gravedigger'
Nyabira- LOSING Zanu PF Zvimba East House of Assembly member Francis Garikai Mukwangariwa is at loggerheads with Nyabira residents on allegations of illegally exhuming graves without the families consent nor court order, Express Mail Zim can reveal.
Express Mail Zim can authoritatively reveal that Mukwangariwa, using his investment vehicle called Freiward, promised the deceased’s relatives compensation but did not come to play.
He also has no approval for the grave exhumation from relevant authorities as required at law and failed to produce such when this publication made enquiries.
The exhumations are been carried out at Penrose Farm Lot 3 with allegations that they did not follow due process.
“Mukwangwariwa, a member of Zanu PF central committee hoodwinked residents that he will spearhead the regularisation of undesignated settlements and provision of title deeds but instead invaded Penrose Farm and exhumed graves to pave way for development of residential stands bearing in mind of the proposed moving of the capital city to that locale.
“He is very witty, he knows the value of land in our area will skyrocket and he decided to exhumes graves of our relatives without following due process.
” He is in the habit of namedropping top government officials to scare us.
“Taneta (we are tired) and President Mnangagwa is on record condemning such behaviour,” said the son of a victim who preffered anonymity in fear of reprisal.
When Express Mail Zim team visited the site, there was ‘war’ as Penrose Farm occupants resisted the exhumations.
When contacted for comment Mukwangariwa absolved himself from any violation of law and reffered this reporter to land developer Leengate (Pvt) Ltd.
“Leengate is our contractor did you contact them they have the necessary documentation.
” Also get in touch with Zvimba RDC for the cemetery, ” he said.
Express Mail Zim duly made contact with Leengate and the general manager Commence Chivanga said he is not in a position to comment on behalf of Freiward Investments but he stated that from his understanding everything was above board.
” Leengate (Pvt) Ltd is the developer for Lot 3 on the remainder of Penrose Farm.
” Leengate property is abutting Lot 3 on the remainder of Penrose Farm under Freiward Investments.
” Exhumations are happening on Lot 3. I do not wish to speak on behalf of Freiward Investments but from what I know the exhumations happening on Penrose have followed all due process. I hope you will find this in order,” said Chivanga.
He said most people think his company is involved in the
exhumations.
“Most people associate developments happening in and around Penrose Farm with Leengate (Pvt) Ltd,” he said.
Express Mail Zim contacted minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe who delegated the director of National Museums and Monuments Lovemore Mandima.
He was extremely cooperative and said he had not seen such papers of consent order on his desk at the time of writing.
However, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is on record stating traditional leaders must be involved the process but such was not adhered to at Penrose Farm.
