Chamisa Slams Mnangagwa Over Harare Land Saga – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent

Opposition leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, has responded to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s desperate attempts to implicate him in the Harare City Council land saga.

Below is Advocate Chamisa’s full response:

On Monday, I was called to testify before (Rtd) Justice Maphosa Cheda at the Harare City Commission inquiry, a forum established by Mr. Mnangagwa.

While I have reservations about the legitimacy of the Commission, I agreed to appear out of courtesy and in my capacity as an officer of the Court and advocate for justice.

The Commission sought my response to claims allegedly made by a councillor, who supposedly mentioned my name in connection with the so-called “regularisation process” of the Harare City Council.

I made it clear: I have no locus standi to comment on local authority matters. I am neither a councillor, mayor, nor a local government official, and I am not part of the central government. Urban councils are statutory bodies governed by the Urban Councils Act, and decisions are made by council committees or full council motions—not by external actors or political parties.

An audio recording was played at the hearing, purportedly of the councillor referring to me as a party leader. Its amateurish presentation, played from a phone, raised questions about its authenticity and reliability.

Despite these concerns, I responded to avoid embarrassing the Commission. For the record, I would not recognise the councillor in question if we met face-to-face. The voice on the recording also mentioned Mr. Mnangagwa. I pointed out that if my presence was deemed necessary based solely on this audio, then the same courtesy should surely be extended to Mr. Mnangagwa, whose name was also mentioned.

The principle is clear: he who alleges must prove. It is unjust to summon individuals based on unsubstantiated claims. The law demands evidence, not baseless accusations.

I wish to make it clear: as a human rights defender, a champion of justice, and a steadfast constitutionalist, I strongly condemn the destruction of people’s homes. Using bulldozers to erase lives and livelihoods is criminal, sadistic, and inhumane. This is not justice; it is a testament to systemic leadership failure and a mockery of human rights.

This is not the first time a Commission has been used as a diversion from addressing real issues. In 2018, Mr. Mnangagwa established the Motlanthe Commission following disputed general elections. I was summoned before the Commission over a matter that had nothing to do with me. Now, in 2023, the same pattern is repeating, with me being drawn into issues far beyond my purview.

This governance crisis cannot be resolved through malicious intent or unwarranted targeting of innocent individuals via commissions. It requires genuine accountability and decisive action to address the root causes.

Corruption, maladministration, and poor governance are eroding our towns, cities, and the country as a whole. These cancers must be eradicated. Local governance has become a theatre of incompetence and impunity. It is a crisis compounded by a small group that weaponizes inquiries to distract from its own failures. It is time to hold accountable those who are truly responsible for this decay.

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