Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has issued a stern warning to councillors across the country, cautioning them against illegally selling residential land and pocketing the proceeds.
Speaking at the installation ceremony of Mr. Richard Jeyi as the 16th Chief Chinamhora, Minister Garwe said councillors involved in duping desperate home seekers would face legal consequences.
“Councillors here, and elsewhere in the country, you are not authorised to sell residential stands,” he said. “Such corrupt activities must stop immediately.”
Minister Garwe said President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly warned that corruption will no longer be tolerated in any sector of the economy. He emphasized the importance of working together to protect land and uphold the national development vision, Vision 2030.
“We must preserve our land for future generations,” he said. “Our ancestors left us a beautiful country. Let us maintain and protect that legacy together.”
He also advised the Chinamhora community to be cautious of so-called overnight investors seeking to exploit the area’s rich mineral resources.
“Guard your resources carefully,” he urged. “If the community does not participate, outsiders will fully exploit these minerals without giving back. The Ministry of Local Government encourages the Chief and all community stakeholders to ensure locals benefit from future mining projects.”
Minister Garwe stressed that all investors must contribute to community development through social responsibility.
He further encouraged traditional leaders and local authorities to attend council meetings and remain vigilant against corruption.
“We call on chiefs to take part in full council meetings and to watch out for corrupt councillors. We say no to corruption and all forms of misconduct,” he said.
The installation of Chief Jeyi comes nearly nine years after the passing of the last substantive Chief Chinamhora, Mr. Simon Chidziva, in 2015.
