City of Harare finance director in court for criminal abuse of office

City of Harare finance director, Tendai Kwenda

City of Harare finance director, Tendai Kwenda, has appeared at the Harare Magistrate Court facing criminal abuse of office.

Kwenda (51) appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje who granted him $100 000 bail.

It is the state's case that sometime in 2013, City of Harare  leased commercial stand number 5420 Budiriro Township, Harare which had been reserved for a Council Primary School to a company called Southern Cross (Pvt) Ltd.

It is alleged that in 2016, the company's lease agreement was terminated after failing to adhere to the terms of the lease such as paying monthly rentals over a prolonged period of time.

The state alleges that on June 1, 2016, the accused, unilaterally and without a Council resolution, proceeded to sell the stand to the company for USD$1 397 000. 

The company remained in occupation of the stand without paying any rentals.

The State alleges that his actions were in conflict with City of Harare Standard Operating Procedures which provides that a sale of commercial stands require a council resolution. 

The court said his actions were intended to show undue favour to Southern Cross (Pvt) Ltd.

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