by Christopher Makaza

MDC leadership has raised concern over increasing corrupt activities within the MDC led urban councils.

The concern was raised in a meeting held last Thursday at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House (MRTH).

MDC Harare Provincial Chairperson, Wellington Chikombo told the Provincial Executive  Committee meeting that the MDC provincial leadership was not happy with Harare councillors, particularly ward 1 councillor Tendai Katasira, ward 28 councillor Chihama Runyowa, ward 37 councillor Jason Kauda, ward 17 councillor and MDC Secretary for Elections Jacob Mafume.

Chikomo said the aforementioned councillors were involved in illegal land dealings among other corrupt activities. His sentiments were supported by other leaders at the meeting which was also attended by the councillors.

According to Chikomo, the corrupt councillors were dishonestly acquiring residential and commercial stands which they later sell to land seekers. He said the councillors were using different names of their relatives and friends to acquire the stands from council.

Chikombo said since last year, his office was busy with people complaining about corrupt activities of MDC councillors especially issue to do with illegal selling of land. He challenged the accused MDC councillors to clear themselves immediately or face recalling.

Harare mayor, Hebert Gomba who was also present defended the accused councillors saying councillors were entitled to a residential and a commercial stand when they are elected and those councillors have a choice to sell their stands which is not a crime. He added that when people see councillors selling their stands, they think they would have corruptly acquired them.

Gomba`s sentiments angered people who lashed at him accusing him of defending corrupt councillors.

“These people are thieves and we are surprised that the Mayor is defending them. Zanu PF will definitely use this to campaign against us come 2023. Gomba must be in the same boat with these thieves and we will not take this lightly,” said Provincial Secretary for Election, Willias Madzimure.

Last year MDC leader Nelson Chamisa set up an independent commission to investigate and take action against all corrupt party officials including the councillors.

Councillors implicated in corrupt activities risked being recalled after the Integrity and Accountability Panel (IAP) appointed by Chamisa makes recommendations to the leadership of the party. Unfortunately up to date, no corrupt councillor has been brought to book.