Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
HOUSING construction mogul Jonathan Gapare has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over allegations that he illegally sold 632 residential stands in Beitbridge.
Gapare, of House Number 14959, Impala Road, Selbourne Park, Bulawayo, appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba today facing allegations of unlawfully selling residential stands on land belonging to the Municipality of Beitbridge.
District public prosecutor Mr Willbrought Muleya represented the State.
According to the allegations, Gapare, through his company Alpha Housing Development (Private) Limited, sold the 632 stands between 2016 and 2026 in breach of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the company and the Municipality of Beitbridge.
The MoU authorised Alpha Housing Development to sell only 500 residential stands.
ZACC alleges that Gapare converted proceeds from the sale of the additional stands to his personal use and failed to surrender either the stands or their equivalent value to the Municipality of Beitbridge when demanded.
The commission further alleges that 527 of the 632 stands were sold in violation of a court order issued by the Beitbridge Magistrates Court in October 2023 under case number BTB CIV 95/23.
The order allegedly barred Alpha Housing Development from selling, developing or offering stands on Layout Plan GE98 without the consent of the Municipality of Beitbridge.
As a result, ZACC alleges that the municipality suffered potential financial prejudice of US$4 740 000, representing potential revenue from the sale of the stands.
ZACC spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu confirmed Gapare’s arrest and appearance in court.
“I can confirm that our team arrested one Jonathan Gapare over the illegal sale of residential stands in Beitbridge. The accused was arrested on September 24 on a full docket,” she said.
