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THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) is set to investigate allegations that Kwekwe Town Clerk, Lucia Mnkandla, terminated a lease agreement and sold a commercial stand without a council resolution.
The matter has been reported under ZACC RRB 003566.
Mnkandla is alleged to have sold Stand No 1493 3rd Street in Kwekwe where Sakhile Mbano was running his Koncern Car Sales since 2011 to Slice Distributors Private Limited.
It is alleged the decision was made without consulting Mbano, a tenant since 2011, who had been renewing his lease agreement annually.
She had an option of giving Mbano first right of refusal as a sitting tenant.
Mbano has since approached the High Court seeking reversal of Mnkandla’s decision.
In his High Court application, said:
“I am advised that the sale is not supported by a resolution of council. It is trite that any disposal of land by council must be supported by a resolution.
“In its absence, the sale is a nullity. In light of the foregoing, it is my submission that the First and Second Respondents’ decisions are unlawful, grossly irregular, unreasonable and irrational.
“The manner in which my lease was terminated and the property sold to the Third Respondent (Slice Distributors) is a classic example of abuse of power. Everything about it is wrong.”
Mbano indicated that he last renewed his lease agreement on January 19 last year and it was due to expire today.
“Over the years I have been running the business of a car sale on the property and I am planning to open a vehicle bonded warehouse.
“Furthermore, I have also effected several valuable improvements on the premises,” he said.
Mbano said the termination was also against a verbal undertaking by Mnkandla to inform him of any such development.
He said he once wrote to the Kwekwe City Council indicating his willingness to purchase the land.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter