Rusape Residents Left High and Dry as Double Stand Allocation Scandal Rocks Council
A shocking scandal has rocked the Rusape Town Council, leaving hundreds of residents stunned and financially drained. The controversy surrounds the double allocation of residential stands, with some cases dating back over two decades.
The scandal is believed to have originated during Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation period, when desperate residents exchanged small amounts of US dollars for trillions in bearer cheques to pay for stands. Unscrupulous officials allegedly exploited this situation, selling the same stand to multiple buyers. The victims are now left to pick up the pieces, with many losing their life savings.
A damning 2023 audit exposed the extent of the scandal, revealing files with duplicate ownership. The council’s housing committee has been forced to act, ruling that second buyers who have developed stands must repurchase them from the council, while undeveloped stands will be repossessed and returned to the original buyers.
Councillor Christine Murembwe slammed the housing department for failing to detect the anomalies, saying it’s unacceptable for such issues to go unnoticed. Makoni District Development Coordinator Edwin Mashindi echoed her concerns, urging the department to take the issue seriously.
As the scandal continues to unfold, residents are left wondering how such a massive scam could go undetected for so long. With lives ruined and trust shattered, one thing is certain: the people of Rusape demand answers and justice.
