by Chris Matambanadzo
In a significant development highlighting corruption within Zimbabwe’s political sphere, Patson Chipunza, a Zanu-PF councillor for Ward 11 in Seke, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). Chipunza is accused of fraudulently subdividing and selling land that belongs to the estate of the late former Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Amos Midzi.
The allegations suggest that in December 2022, Chipunza subdivided Subdivision 1 of Earling Farm in Beatrice and hired an agent to market the land. Phillip Chapfunga, intrigued by the advertisement, contacted the agent and was referred to Chipunza, who allegedly misrepresented himself as the village head and landowner.
Following Chipunza’s misrepresentation, Chapfunga purchased a 63-hectare plot for $29,000 and invested an additional $41,000 into farm infrastructure. The fraudulent scheme was uncovered by a co-executor of Midzi’s estate, leading to the report to ZACC and Chipunza’s subsequent arrest.
Chipunza is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, to face the charges. As news of the arrest spread, many Zimbabweans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their views, with numerous comments suggesting that this case pales in comparison to other more significant scandals mishandled by ZACC.