The Sunday Mail
Goromonzi South legislator Cde Petronella Kagonye has called for investigations into shady land deals involving Zanu-PF councilors in her constituency with links to beleaguered former Mashonaland East provincial chairman, Mr Ray Kaukonde, after desperate home-seekers were allegedly swindled of over US$500 000.
At the presentation of wheelchairs, maize seed, blankets and bed covers in her constituency yesterday, Cde Kagonye — who is also the Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister — fired a broadside at Joyce Chiroodza, Stambile Makamba and Kaukonde whom she accused of fleecing the vulnerable of their hard-earned cash.
Prior to her address, two commuter omnibuses packed with thugs tried to disrupt the meeting. The Deputy Minister said the hired gang was paid by those aligned to Mr Kaukonde and ex-Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru to disrupt the meeting.
She had no kind words for the land barons and those bent on destabilising the ruling party in Mashonaland East.
“Cdes Kaukonde, Chiroodza and Makamba should be investigated over their involvement in dirty land deals. Furthermore, the Zanu-PF leadership should revisit Mashonaland East to cleanse the province of members of the Mujuru faction who are still sowing and fanning divisions in the party,” said Cde Kagonye.
She said frantic efforts by Zanu-PF officials to discipline Cdes Chiroodza and Makamba had been in vain as they were protected by their “godfather”, Mr Kaukonde.
“Each time we tried to take action against the land barons, Kaukonde always used his muscle as the provincial chairman and close Mujuru associate to block disciplinary action,” she said, adding: “But time has come for the culprits to be brought to book because they are dragging the name of the party into disrepute.”
The gathering also discussed developmental issues in the area and took stock of progress made in implementation of the economic blueprint, Zim-Asset.
