Staff Reporter
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) finds itself plunged into a crisis as the Director of Elections, Charles Madhiwa, finds himself at the epicentre of a land grabbing scandal.
According to a high-level source within that party, Madhiwa exploited CCC's control over land allocation in urban municipalities to acquire residential stands in Harare and Kwekwe.
The source claims that the stands were obtained through dubious means and were intended to be a personal financial cushion for Madhiwa.
“Madhiwa took advantage of the CCC's control over land allocation in some municipalities to grab prime residential stands for himself in Mabelreign and Kwekwe,” said the source.
However, according to the same source, the CCC's financial woes have reportedly thrown a wrench into Madhiwa's plans. With party allowances drying up, Madhiwa is said to be "desperate" to make ends meet, revealed the source.
The source revealed how Madhiwa is now attempting to sell off the illegally acquired stands to make ends meet.
"He's been spotted whispering to potential buyers, practically begging for a good price," the source claimed.
This desperation, according to the source, is a direct consequence of the CCC's alleged mismanagement of resources. European Union (EU) funds earmarked for by-elections are said to have vanished, leaving that party scrambling.
"Chamisa's still living the high life," the source alleged, "while party workers are barely scraping by." The source further claims that party leader Nelson Chamisa is not immune to the financial mismanagement temptation, having bought a house in Sandton with some of the missing EU funds.
"Chamisa stands accused of diverting a portion of the EU funds towards personal gains, notably the acquisition of a property in the upscale area of Sandton, South Africa, and sustaining a lavish lifestyle," said the source.
Meanwhile, the allegations come on the heels of recent controversies that have plagued the CCC. Last month, the party's Harare City Council was accused of illegally allocating stands based on political affiliation. This incident, coupled with the Madhiwa accusations, paints a disturbing picture of a party prioritizing personal gain over the needs of its members and supporters.
