A Johanne Masowe Echishanu church leader is under growing legal and official scrutiny after allegedly using the names of Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa to legitimise questionable land deals in Harare.
Herbert Senda, popularly known as Madzibaba Enock, who operates from a shrine in Budiriro, is accused of unlawfully selling Harare City Council land to multiple buyers, leaving several families exposed to eviction and financial loss.
The allegations surfaced following a court-ordered eviction in Budiriro, which triggered confusion and tension among residents who claimed they had legitimately purchased residential stands through Senda.
“I Am Connected to the Top”
Several alleged victims told ZiMetro News that Senda routinely invoked political authority to gain trust, often presenting himself as closely linked to the ruling party and the President.
“He would tell people that he goes to State House to pray for the President and that he is deeply connected within Zanu PF structures,” said one affected resident, who requested anonymity.
Another source said Senda frequently used political name-dropping as a shield. “Whenever anyone questioned the legitimacy of the stands, he would mention Zanu PF and the President. People were afraid to challenge him.”
Court Order Sparks Alarm
ZiMetro News has established that one of the disputes culminated in a High Court eviction order under Case Number HREC-CG1657/23.
The complainant, Ahamadu Matoto, successfully sued Senda along with Tapfumanei Mudhuchwa and Locadia Chiringwa over ownership of Stand Number 22566, Budiriro 4 Extension.
Presiding magistrate Mandlenkosi Ndlovu ordered the defendants to vacate the property within 72 hours, authorising the messenger of court to enforce the eviction should they fail to comply. The defendants were also ordered to bear the legal costs.
City Council Moves In
Following a surge in complaints, Harare City Council (HCC) has reportedly launched investigations into Senda’s land activities, which were allegedly conducted under the banner of the Johanne Masowe Echishanu Co-operative.
Sources at Town House confirmed that Senda was summoned recently by the city’s housing manager, Edgar Dzehonye, and instructed to refund affected residents.
Dzehonye reportedly condemned the misuse of political authority, comparing illegal land dealers to “warlords” who undermine orderly urban development.
“Zanu PF’s position on land barons is well known and firmly against such practices,” Dzehonye reportedly said. “Using the name of the ruling party or the President to intimidate officials and residents amounts to outright theft.”
Council insiders say HCC is considering issuing a public warning advising residents not to engage in any land transactions linked to Senda.
Cleric Denies Allegations
When contacted for comment, Senda dismissed the accusations, insisting he was unaware of any corruption claims against him.
“I don’t know anything about these allegations. They are not true,” he said briefly.
However, sources close to the matter told ZiMetro News that pressure is mounting as more alleged victims come forward demanding refunds, raising questions over the scale of the suspected land dealings.
As investigations continue, the case has reignited debate around the misuse of political names, faith leadership and housing desperation — a volatile combination in Harare’s ongoing land challenges.