Former Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) commissioner, Farai Mashonganyika-Chinyani, found herself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly going on a rampage and destroying a community gate.
The incident occurred after she was denied entrance to a property for which she had lost the title deed to the local government.
According to reports, Mashonganyika recently lost the title deed to a property she had purportedly acquired through fraudulent means, allegedly paying only US$4000 for an 8000 square meter land parcel. Despite attempts to enlist the support of her relative, former first lady Grace Mugabe, to influence the local government minister to reverse the decision, the cancellation of the title deed stood.
On April 5th, Mashonganyika, accompanied by her husband Tendai Chinyani, arrived at a gated residential community in Carrick Creagh. Upon being informed that they were not permitted to enter due to an outstanding fee of US$600 for security and other services, the couple allegedly became agitated. Ignoring the community constitution, they proceeded to forcefully damage the electronic boom gate, breaking it in the process.
The chief security officer, Cornelius Tsikwa, reported the incident to the police, resulting in Mashonganyika and her husband being charged with malicious damage to property. Appearing before a Harare magistrate, they were remanded out of custody until April 16th.
Mashonganyika’s legal troubles didn’t end there, as she recently filed a lawsuit against the local government minister following the cancellation of her title deed. The local government ministry asserted that she had only paid a fraction of the required land fees, accusing her of breaching payment obligations.
This incident highlights the abuse of power and privilege by individuals entrusted with public office. Mashonganyika’s actions not only reflect a disregard for the law but also undermine the principles of integrity and accountability that should guide public servants.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical conduct and respecting the rule of law, regardless of one’s position or influence.
