The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube Municipal Reporter
THE Insiza land scam has taken a dramatic twist following revelations that Insiza Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Daniel Mpofu faces possible arrest on allegations that he demanded favours from a property developer in exchange for awarding him stands in Filabusi.
Ironically, Clr Mpofu has been at the forefront calling for the arrest of people linked to a scandal where land was illegally sold to desperate individuals for prices ranging from $500 to $1 000 or a single beast.
In the latest development, Clr Mpofu is alleged to have approached a property developer, Mr Nicholas Masuku, who owns N and S properties, and told him that he could help him get 948 residential stands in Filabusi.
Confirming this development, Matabeleland South police spokesperson Sergeant Thabani Mkhwananzi said they were investigating the case but did not say whether there had been any arrests made.
“I can confirm that we are handling such a matter, at the moment I cannot give much detail as our officers are still investigating,” said Sgt Mkhwananzi.
Sunday News managed to contact Mr Masuku who expressed disappointment at the conduct of Clr Mpofu, revealing further that he had tried to seek redress from the Filabusi council chief executive officer Mr Fidres Manombe and Insiza district administrator Mrs Sthandiwe Ndumo-Ncube but to no avail, hence his decision to report the matter to the police.
The council chairperson is alleged to have continually pestered Mr Masuku, demanding various figures, and at one point going for as little as $10. Mr Masuku revealed that every time Clr Mpofu asked for money he signed for it.
“What happened is that initially I approached the RDC as a property developer with the hope of getting stands there. It was then that Clr Mpofu approached me, told me that he was in a position to hasten my application but the council had no resources hence I had to chip in and assist so that the application would be pushed to jump the line.
“He then implored that I help fix his personal vehicle claiming that it was a council vehicle allocated to him so that he be able to be mobile and push my application. I gave him a total of $1 065 for the vehicle, that was sometime in September last year,” said Mr Masuku.
He further alleged that upon realising that Clr Mpofu was not delivering as promised he inquired with Mr Manombe but the CEO never entertained him or answered his calls.
“Clr Mpofu himself said he does not want to see me at all. I don’t know who I can approach because everyone is closing their doors in my face,” said the property developer.
Contacted for comment, Mr Manombe initially denied that there was such a matter but when questioned further, he confirmed having received a letter from Mr Masuku.
“That issue is a problem, I personally don’t even understand it but right now I cannot comment because I am not in the office, it won’t be professional for me to comment right now,” said Mr Manombe.
Contacted for comment, Clr Mpofu accused Mr Masuku of being a liar and of being bitter after the council chairperson turned down a $10 000 bribe which Mr Masuku offered him after he exposed the Lochard land scam.
“I don’t deny that Mr Masuku gave me a cylinder head for my car, but this was all in good faith as he said I could not buy one when he had one lying idle at his home. As for the money that he gave me, he was the one who used to insist I visit him and everytime when I left, he gave me transport money, again in good faith and like any other company he made me sign for it which I believed was for accountability purposes.
“The highest amount which he ever gave me was $152, which was when my child had passed away and he had said this was meant to assist in the funeral proceedings. I am actually surprised that he is now making all these mischievous allegations but I believe the root cause is my role in exposing the Lochard land scam, which he is heavily involved in together with his children. I actually refused when he attempted to bribe me with $10 000 and a twin cab, which I believe angered him, hence this move,” said Clr Mpofu.
“I will tell you that he actually lied when trying to convince us to award him the tender, claiming he had serviced sewer ponds for Bulawayo City Council, Umguza RDC and Umzingwane RDC. He is just not being honest with himself and the police.
“When I think of it, I believe he was also angered when I told him to his face that what type of property developer he was who could not construct a single sentence in English. I should, however, warn him and anyone who is involved in the Lochard land scam that I am not turning back, anyone who engaged in corrupt activities will be exposed.”
Clr Mpofu was recently quoted boldly declaring that as a council they had made a clear resolution that all those who had illegally sold land or engaged in any unscrupulous land deals should be arrested, so the law could be allowed to “deal” with them.
“We won’t allow anyone engaging in corrupt activities. All those that either bought or sold land should know that they have no place in Insiza,” said Clr Mpofu then.
