Zanu PF Councillor Patson Chipunza is facing multiple charges of land fraud. He has applied for bail after being remanded in custody last week. The allegations involve fraudulently subdividing and selling land from the estate of the late former Mines and Mining Development Minister Amos Midzi.
Investigating officer Kingston Zivanai testified against bail, citing another ongoing case in Beatrice involving Chipunza. Zivanai informed the court that Chipunza has similar cases at the Chitungwiza Magistrates Court. He argued that Chipunza is likely to commit more offenses if released.
Zivanai also mentioned that Chipunza had ignored calls to appear before the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), suggesting a risk of absconding. However, Chipunza’s lawyer, Rene Kuchidza, argued that there is no evidence that Chipunza could commit another offense since he has never been convicted of fraud.
The legal battle centers on Subdivision 1 of Earling Farm in Beatrice. The Lands Ministry allocated this 347.50-hectare farm to Midzi in December 2002. After Midzi’s death, the farm remained part of his estate. In December 2022, Chipunza allegedly subdivided the farm and engaged an agent, Templeton Chadyiwa, to advertise the land for sale.
In January 2023, land developer Phillip Chapfunga saw the advert and approached the agent. Chapfunga was referred to Chipunza, who allegedly posed as the village head and owner of the land. Chapfunga bought a 63-hectare piece of land for $29,000 and invested an additional $41,000 in farm infrastructure.
The fraud was discovered by Chido Makazhu, a co-executor of Midzi’s estate. Makazhu reported the matter to ZACC, leading to Chipunza’s arrest. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi stated that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development is well-versed in the ongoing land disputes.
Zivanai testified that the current case differs from another one in 2021 involving subdivision two of the same farm. He emphasized that illegal land activities have been a recurring issue.
During the bail hearing, Kuchidza argued that Chipunza, as a Zanu PF councilor, has no reason to abscond due to his national duties. He also stated that Chipunza could not interfere with State witnesses since the complainant was the purchaser and Chipunza the seller. Thus, the chances of interference were minimal.
Kuchidza also mentioned that police had previously tried to evict Chipunza from the farm until the High Court allowed him to return to subdivision two of Earling Farm in 2021. He contended that without a prior fraud conviction, there was no basis for assuming Chipunza would reoffend.
The case highlights ongoing issues of land fraud and disputes in Zimbabwe. Chipunza’s involvement in multiple cases and his current legal battle underscore the complexity and prevalence of such crimes. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Source: Newsday
