Albert Madanha, the suspended principal road maintenance engineer of the City of Harare, reportedly clashed with Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption officials during his arrest at his residence on Sunday.
When the three ZACC officials identified themselves and informed Madanha of their intent to arrest him, he allegedly attempted to shut the door, but they intervened and prevented him from doing so. According to the prosecution, Madanha vehemently resisted arrest, engaging in physical violence by kicking and punching the officers.
Despite the altercation, the officers eventually managed to handcuff him and transport him to the ZACC offices. In addition to the initial charge of abuse of office, Madanha faces a second charge of assault.
The court heard that in September 2022, Southern Plan Energy sought Madanha’s assistance in acquiring land from the City of Harare for establishing an LPG Cylinder Filling Station. Allegedly, Madanha advised the company to identify suitable vacant land without proper council approval.
Subsequently, Southern Plan Energy selected a location at the corner of Wilson Road and Piers Road in Borrowdale, which belonged to the council. It is alleged that Madanha entered into an agreement with the company without council authorization, enabling them to proceed with construction without following proper procedures.
Albert Madanha purportedly issued a forged design permit and notice to Southern Plan Energy, allowing them to make improvements on the land unlawfully.
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Furthermore, using forged documents, Madanha allegedly coerced Southern Plan Energy into paying him $2,084 as a land development levy, which was not remitted to the City of Harare.
Madanha appeared before magistrate Taurai Manuwere and was remanded in custody pending bail considerations, with representation from Anesu Chirenje for the State.
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