Munesu Nyakudya
Three leaders of the Joshua Nkomo Housing Cooperative in the contentious Aspindale 48&49 stands in Kambuzuma have been arrested.
The charges are not yet clear but they were arrested today, Friday 16 October and taken to Morris Depot.
A source revealed that a “Machingauta, Mrs Chinembiri and Majoni had been arrested and taken to Morris Depot by the police”.
The cooperative leaders have previously been arrested by police on various charges which they say are mainly harassment to stop them from contending against Billy Rautenbach.
Rautenbach is claiming ownership of the Aspindale 48&49 stands whilst various cooperatives also claim ownership citing offer letters.
The politically connected businessman has reportedly marshalled the support of Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga who is facilitating the availability of police.
Local Government Minister July Moyo and Harare State Minister Oliver Chidawu have all been accused of corruptly backing the businessman.
Commenting on the arrests Norton MP Temba Mliswa, who has been vocal about the Aspindale matter said he will stand by them.
“This habit of arresting the cooperative leaders falsely accusing them of being land barons is shameful.
“The leaders should not be deterred, we will stand by them. I stand by them all the way even if they try to intimidate them, it won’t work.
“In fact, if anyone should be arrested it should be Chombo, Chidawu, Zivhu, July Moyo.
The Aspindale stands case has refused to die down despite court rulings and the intervention of political players.
Rautenbach has sought to sell the stands to the residents with new prices which the residents feel are too steep.
His other project along High Glen road has sold a total of 600 residential stands at US$85 per square metre inclusive of value added tax.
A deposit of 30% is required and the payment plans range between one and five years with payment plans for mortgages ranging from 10 to 25 years.
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