Chief Superintendent Joel Tenderere, the top officer in the Zimbabwe Republic Police accused of trying to take a Harare-based company by force under the guise of the government’s economic indigenisation policy, was investigating circumstances surrounding the shareholding structure of the company, it has been established.
The company had been identified by the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board as appropriate for appropriation under the country’s empowerment laws.
But his intentions were misconstrued.
Tenderere, the officer commanding licensing and inspectorate in Harare Province, was tasked to verify the shareholding structure and operations of Outdoor Living Centre, stone and slate miners and purveyors. He was engaged to verify the company’s records and the authenticity of individuals who were claiming ownership.
Tenderere refused to comment yesterday referring all inquiries to the police’s Press and liaison department, saying: “Since I was doing my official duties, I refer you to our information department for any comments.”
But Tenderere told NewsDay on Wednesday he had no interest in the company. “It is news to me. I never attended any court. I was never served with any court papers,” he said.
Tenderere and five other individuals, who include a retired army major, have been ordered by the High Court not to interfere with the operations of Outdoor Living Centre.
Tenderere and his group were also accused of taking over a house next to the company premises. The house is used by the company directors as their residence.
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High Court judge Justice Felistas Chatukuta ruled on September 28 that Tenderere and his alleged group should stop interfering with the operations of the company and that they should cease occupation of both the company premises and the residential property.
Reads part of the judgment: “The first, second, third and fourth respondents be and are hereby ordered and directed to restore possession of business premises at Number 186 Mutare Road, Msasa, Harare, to the applicants and to restore the leased premises at Number 188 Mutare Road.”
