THOMAS Mapfumo, a legendary Zimbabwean musician known for his politically charged lyrics, claims the ruling party, Zanu PF, revoked his land allocated by Harare City Council in the early 2000s.
The land, located in the affluent Borrowdale suburb, was initially granted to Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, and George Shaya.
However, Mapfumo was the only recipient who did not receive the land, allegedly due to fears that he would use it to build a studio for producing music critical of the government.
Mapfumo made the revelations in an exclusive interview with Standard Style.
"I was awarded land by Harare City Council, but Zanu PF subsequently revoked it,” Mapfumo said.
“This land was initially allocated to me, Oliver Mtukudzi, and George Shaya. While the latter two received their land, I was denied mine.
“I was falsely accused of attempting to build a studio that would produce music critical of the government.
“I possess the offer letters and was even requested by the council to surrender them, which I refused to do as they serve as my evidence.
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“The land was located in Borrowdale, near Chinamasa's (Patrick) residence. I personally visited the site and was shown the property.
“It was Zanu PF individuals who falsely claimed that I would use the land to undermine the regime.
“A local daily newspaper even published a story supporting this false accusation.”
In response to Mapfumo's claims, Zanu PF's director of Information and Publicity, Farai Marapira, dismissed them as baseless.
“Mapfumo (Thomas) should learn to speak logically,” he said.
“Zanu PF is not in charge of the council. It’s the opposition party that is in charge of the same council which he claims revoked his land.
“The opposition councillors are always caught on the wrong side of the law in matters related to land grabbing.
“I’m sure the same councillors could misappropriate one more residential stand for him.
“As Zanu PF, we are busy working on the country’s economy and the betterment of the Zimbabwean people.
“Mapfumo should visit the true source of his problem and stop blaming Zanu PF for his life misfortunes every time.”
Contacted for a comment, Harare City Council's spokesperson, Stanley Gama, said there was need for a background check before responding.
