HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa denied involvement in Harare’s illegal land regularisation schemes on Monday, challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to testify before the Commission of Inquiry investigating municipal corruption since 2017.

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The demand came during Chamisa’s testimony before the Commission, led by retired Justice Cheda, where he responded to allegations from CCC councillor Blessing Duma that he had directed the city to regularize settlements.

“I can tell you as a man of God, that is not true,” Chamisa told evidence leader Thabani Mpofu. “I do not address caucuses. I would never address a few people like the councillors mentioned.”

The investigation has exposed widespread corruption in Harare’s land management, with councillors allegedly working with land barons to formalize illegal settlements. The practice has led to unauthorized housing developments across the capital.

Chamisa expressed concern over the demolition of houses during his testimony. “What I am aware of is that people’s houses were being destroyed, and I had difficulties understanding why a whole council would destroy people’s houses when they had initially allowed them to construct those houses,” he said.

The former opposition leader emphasized his non-interference policy with council operations during his CCC leadership, maintaining that property rights protection remained a priority.

The Commission’s findings are expected to reveal the extent of corruption within Harare’s municipal operations since 2017, with potential implications for both local and national governance.