Land Scandal-The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has made a high-profile move in its fight against fraud, arresting two senior ZANU PF officials from Hopley in connection with a sprawling land scam allegedly worth US$1.5 million. The suspects are said to be politically connected figures linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inner circle, raising concerns about entrenched corruption within ruling party structures.
The two officials arrested are Phinias Muchichwa (41), the ZANU PF chairperson for Godfrey Chidyausiku district, and Anderson Frendson (37), branch chief of security for the Josiah Magama branch. They face allegations of illegally subdividing and selling a substantial piece of land without the owner’s consent, thereby defrauding would-be home seekers in Harare.
According to ZACC spokesperson Simiso Mlevu, the alleged scam centres on Stand 34 in Tariro Township, Hopley, a sprawling 9.3473-hectare parcel owned by Sunshine Developments (Pvt) Ltd. The suspects are accused of unlawfully subdividing the property into over 200 residential stands and selling them at US$300 each. These sales were carried out without the knowledge or approval of Sunshine Developments, the rightful owner.
“They sold privately-owned land without authority, prejudicing Sunshine Developments of approximately US$1.5 million,” Mlevu told reporters.
The land in question is located in Tariro Township, one of Harare’s high-density suburbs that has seen soaring demand for affordable residential plots amid Zimbabwe’s ongoing housing crisis. The two accused allegedly targeted fellow ZANU PF members and other desperate residents who were willing to pay to secure a stand in a growing area, exploiting both their political influence and the scarcity of land.
Muchichwa and Frendson’s alleged activities, if proven, reflect a disturbing trend in Zimbabwe’s land sector — the systematic abuse of power by politically connected individuals to profit illicitly from housing demand. This pattern has fuelled public anger, particularly in urban areas where access to residential stands has become fiercely competitive and often marred by corruption.
The arrests follow growing pressure on ZACC to tackle corruption in the land sector. In recent years, a series of exposés and court cases have revealed how unscrupulous land barons, often linked to political networks, have profited from the illegal sale of stands and plots. Government statements have repeatedly vowed to crack down on such schemes, but critics argue that enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing the practice to flourish.
ZACC’s arrest of these two high-profile party officials marks a significant step, suggesting the commission is prepared to take on politically sensitive cases. Mlevu confirmed that investigations are ongoing and hinted that more arrests could follow as additional victims come forward. “We are following every lead. This is not an isolated case — there is evidence of a larger network involved in fraudulent land deals,” he said.
Muchichwa and Frendson are expected to appear in court on October 6, 2025, facing charges of fraud and illegal land dealings. The case is likely to draw public attention not only because of the amounts involved but also because of the political stature of the suspects. Observers say it could set an important precedent for accountability in land administration.
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The scandal comes amid heightened public frustration over endemic land corruption, which has continued despite numerous government pronouncements to reform the sector. In urban centres like Harare, illegal land sales and dubious allocations remain widespread, with victims often left with little legal recourse. Many of these scams involve politically connected individuals who exploit loopholes, intimidate victims, and bypass legal processes.
The case in Hopley underscores the complexity of the problem. Tariro Township has been a flashpoint for similar allegations in the past, with communities complaining of fraudulent stand allocations and corrupt practices in the subdivision of land. The arrests of Muchichwa and Frendson send a message that ZACC is willing to act decisively, but critics warn that systemic reforms are needed to root out entrenched corruption entirely.
ZACC has called on the public to assist in its investigations. “We encourage anyone who believes they have been defrauded in this or related matters to come forward,” Mlevu said. “Our mandate is to ensure that corruption is exposed and that those responsible face the full force of the law.”
For its part, Sunshine Developments (Pvt) Ltd has yet to issue a statement regarding the case. The company’s silence has prompted speculation about possible internal complicity or wider ramifications for property development in Tariro Township.
As Zimbabwe grapples with its housing crisis and public demand for transparency intensifies, the Hopley land scam is likely to be seen as a critical test of the government’s resolve to end corruption in the land sector. How the courts handle this matter, and whether further arrests follow, could shape public trust in both ZACC and the political elite in the months ahead.
Source- ZimEye
