Harare, Zimbabwe | A Harare woman has expressed fears for her safety after allegedly being threatened by suspected land baron Gilbert Bgwende over a piece of land in the capital.
Land developer Getrude Dumba claims she legally acquired the property but is now facing intimidation.
“I followed all the necessary procedures to purchase this land, but now I am being threatened to give it up. I fear for my life,” Dumba said.
Bgwende, a Harare-based businessman, has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly using his influence to unlawfully acquire land. He has been barred from entering Harare City Council offices after being accused of manipulating officials and councillors to facilitate illegal land grabs.
A leaked internal memo from Acting Human Shelter Services Director Edgar Dzehonye, addressed to the council’s head of public safety, highlighted Bgwende’s alleged activities. The document accuses him of corrupting city officials, leading to disciplinary action against some employees, with several dismissed or even imprisoned due to their involvement.
The memo also referenced Bgwende’s criminal history, citing a 2019 incident in Highfield Probation Area where he allegedly shot and injured a man, Moffart Swizani, using a firearm.
“The worst of such acts were in Highfield Probation area where he shot and injured one Moffart Swizani sometime in 2019, the shooting was done using a 9mm pistol registered under firearm certificate number 453491 B acquired for gun Club Sport purposes with a maximum of up to 300 rounds of ammunition per year,” reads the letter.
The letter described this as a reckless act that puts council staff at risk if they resist his alleged schemes.
Bgwende is also accused of fraudulently collecting money from a local company for unserviced residential stands in Kuwadzana Township. Amid mounting concerns, Harare City Council has instructed officials to remain on high alert and prevent him from accessing municipal premises.
Despite the allegations, Bgwende insists he is a legitimate businessman and denies any wrongdoing. “I know there are people trying to tarnish my image. As for the shooting case, I was acquitted,” he said.
Harare’s land barons, many with links to the ruling Zanu PF party, have long been accused of illegally seizing land, including protected wetlands. Their actions have left many unsuspecting home seekers counting their losses after their illegally acquired properties were demolished by authorities.
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