Harare – The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirms the arrest of Patrick Sagandira, the Member of Parliament for Makoni Central Constituency, on Friday, on allegations of unlawfully occupying and developing state land, in violation of Section 63 of the Land Commission Act [Chapter 20:04].
Sagandira is alleged to have illegally allocated himself a 300-square-meter plot of state land in 2023 without a lease or permit from the Rusape Town Council.
The piece of land, according to the Rusape Town Council plan was reserved as a space for parking and landscaping, was allegedly developed by Sagandira into structures housing his grinding mill business.
The Member of Parliament also allegedly leased parts of the illegal structures to two individuals running a furniture shop and a brick-moulding business.
Rusape Town Council engaged the Makoni Central Constituency representative and ordered him to demolish the structures in line with Section 32 of the Regional and Town Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], but he allegedly ignored the order, continuing his operations and subletting the premises.
A report was made to ZACC leading to the MP’s arrest. He is set to appear at Mutare Magistrates Court for initial remand on June 21, 2025.