Source: Top madzibaba in trouble over corrupt land deals -Newsday Zimbabwe
A JOHANNE Masowe Echishanu church leader is facing multiple charges and official scrutiny for allegedly selling Harare City Council land using the names of Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Herbet Senda, who operates from a shrine in Budiriro and is widely known as Madzibaba Enock, is accused of duping unsuspecting church members and residents by selling the same stands to multiple people, leading to a recent court-ordered eviction that sparked chaos in the suburb.
According to victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Senda routinely claims close ties to the country’s leadership to gain the trust of his victims.
“He tells us he is going to see President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House to pray for him and that he is a strong Zanu PF member,” one source said.
Another added: “He is obsessed with money, but using the names of Mnangagwa and Zanu PF is not good.”
NewsDay is in possession of a court order (Case Number HREC-CG1657/23) that details one such case.
The plaintiff, Ahamadu Matoto, successfully sued Senda and two co-defendants, Tapfumanei Mudhuchwa and Locadia Chiringwa.
Presiding magistrate Mandlenkosi Ndlovu ordered the defendants to vacate Stand Number 22566 in Budiriro 4 Extension within 72 hours.
The order authorised the messenger of court to evict them if they refuse and hold them liable for the legal costs.
NewsDay heard that Harare City Council (HCC) is investigating Senda’s activities, which he engaged in under the banner of the “Johanne Masowe Echishanu Co-operative”.
Two weeks ago, Senda was summoned by council’s housing manager, Edgar Dzehonye, after numerous complaints were lodged against him.
Dzehonye told the cleric to reimburse his victims.
Dzehonye likened land barons to “warlords”.
“Lands barons are becoming a problem here in Harare. They are operating like warlords,” he told NewsDay in an interview.
“We know the position of Zanu PF regarding land barons and it is in the public domain that Zanu PF is against land barons.
“What the cleric is doing is completely thievery, to use the name of Zanu PF to intimidate council officials and church members.”
Council sources said the municipality was preparing a public notice warning people against conducting land deals with Senda.
When contacted for comment, Senda dispelled the corruption charges against him.
“I don’t know about the corruption charges against me; it’s not true at all,” he said.
Sources close to the matter said a growing number of people he allegedly duped are demanding their money back, causing the cleric sleepless nights.
The post Top madzibaba in trouble over corrupt land deals appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.