Makoni Central MP Patrick Sagandira Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Land Use

Patrick Sagandira, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Member of Parliament for Makoni Central, has been taken into custody by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of unlawfully acquiring and developing government land.

The arrest, which occurred on Friday, stems from accusations that Sagandira violated Section 63 of the Land Commission Act [Chapter 20:04].

According to preliminary investigations, Sagandira is alleged to have taken control of a 300-square-meter plot in Rusape, located in Manicaland Province, during 2023. He then reportedly began construction on the site, turning it into a grinding mill, without obtaining the necessary approvals or a valid lease from the Rusape Town Council. The area had been officially designated for landscaping and parking purposes by the council.

Further claims suggest that Sagandira went on to rent out parts of the illegally developed structures to various businesses, including a furniture outlet and a brick-moulding operation.

Authorities say the Rusape council had previously directed the MP to remove the unauthorized buildings in accordance with Section 32 of the Regional, Town, and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], but he allegedly ignored the directive and continued his operations.

Due to his continued defiance, the case was handed over to ZACC, ultimately leading to his arrest.

Sagandira is scheduled to appear before the Mutare Magistrates Court today, June 21, 2025, for a preliminary hearing on the matter.

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