HARARE Mayor Herbert Gomba was denied bail and remanded to the 7th of August 2020 when he appeared in court facing criminal abuse of office charges.
Gomba who allegedly unduly allocated land to a housing cooperative will remain in custody pending trial.
The court ruled in favour of the State which was against the granting of Gomba bail on the basis that he is likely to interfere with witnesses who are his subordinates.
State witness argued Gomba is facing a serious crime involving 40 hectares of land which can generate stands worth more than US$173 000.
Gomba was arrested this Wednesday on charges related to irregularities regarding approval and altering of housing plans.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit, Thabani Mpofu who confirmed Gomba’s arrest said charges against Mayor Gomba are understood to be related to irregularities regarding approval and altering of plans.
Sources say Gomba allegedly used his influential position to direct his subordinates to award tenders to undeserving individuals without the council’s approval.
The Harare Mayor is among top council officials arrested over the past few weeks in connection with a land scam that has so far led to the arrest of Acting human resources director, Retired Major Matthew Marara and Principal Housing Director Edgar Dzehonye.
They are accused of prejudicing the Harare City council of at least One million US dollars in the Kuwadzana stands deal.
The housing director Addmore Nhekairo was also arrested on allegations of giving offer letters to undeserving individuals.
