Double allocations scam rocks Hopley

📅 Published: August 21, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

The scandal has highlighted the broader housing crisis in Zimbabwe, with growing urban populations clashing with inadequate urban planning.

Double allocations stem from the parallel housing programmes that were used in the resettlement of residents mainly by the Ministry of Local Government, the Urban Development Corporation and the City of Harare.

Hopley, initially an informal settlement, was incorporated into Harare’s southern boundaries following the controversial Operation Murambatsvina in 2005.

This government-led urban clean-up displaced approximately 700 000 people nationwide, according to United Nations figures.

To address international condemnation, the government launched Operation Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle, promising housing for those affected.

At the same time, the City of Harare initiated its own housing programme, allocating stands to displaced residents in Zones 1 to 5 of the settlement.

However, investigations with support from Information for Development Trust (IDT), have uncovered poor coordination, corruption, and political interference that has resulted in multiple instances of double allocations, leaving many residents at risk of losing their homes.

The Hopley Housing Co-operative, tasked with managing 600 stands, has come under scrutiny following an internal audit conducted by its land audit committee team for the period 2013 to July 2024, which revealed significant irregularities.

The co-operative is among one of over 35 operating in the area.

The audit report highlights unauthorised payments, missing funds, and a lack of accountability among co-operative leaders.

Allegations have been levelled against the co-operative’s chairperson, Tinashe Chuma, secretary-general, Francis Dekete, and one Tsopo for misappropriating funds and enabling double allocations. “During our door-to-door stand audit, we received anonymous tips and disclosures from some of our members.

Our investigation revealed that the management committee had allocated stands to their spouses, children, and relatives without paying the required fees,” the report reads.

The audit report alleges that Tinoziva Mondo and Grace Banda are in a double allocation over ownership of Stand 9514.

Banda claims she paid a total of US$9 000 for the stand in three installments to a man named Brian Chipunza, but Mondo disputes her ownership. 🔗

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