×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Chipangano at loggerheads with Mbare residents

News
Suspected Zanu PF-aligned militia group Chipangano is at loggerheads with Mbare residents at Nenyere flats where they have literally invaded open spaces, converting them into industrial sites. The group, allegedly led by six members, has reportedly grabbed the land without council approval. “They invaded the place we used for drying our clothes and for gathering […]

Suspected Zanu PF-aligned militia group Chipangano is at loggerheads with Mbare residents at Nenyere flats where they have literally invaded open spaces, converting them into industrial sites.

The group, allegedly led by six members, has reportedly grabbed the land without council approval. “They invaded the place we used for drying our clothes and for gathering during funerals. We are not happy with Chipangano here in Mbare and we are living in fear,” said one resident who refused to be identified for fear of victimisation.

When NewsDay visited the area yesterday, the place had already been fenced, with two market stands operating.

“There are six members of Chipangano who have invaded our place. We brought the case before council, but nothing has been done to evict them,” said another resident.

Contacted for comment, Zanu PF youth chairman for Harare province Jimu Kunaka distanced his party from Chipangano before threatening this reporter with unspecified action should the paper link the infamous group to Zanu PF.

“Go and ask Morgan Tsvangirai about Chipangano. I want to give you a warning; if you write anything to do with Zanu PF in relation to Chipangano I will come to your workplace and deal with you. Let this be the last time to talk of Chipangano in Zanu PF circles,” said Kunaka.

“In Mbare, Zanu PF youths apply for licences at the council and I am a leader who leads clever and intelligent people not Chipangano.” Harare City Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi professed ignorance over the latest invasion.

“I would not know of the case, but I have to check with the housing department. Normally such cases are dealt with by the housing department and we have the problem of illegal structures in the city, but I have to check on this case.”