The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is reportedly investigating former Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Advocate Martin Dinha over allegations of criminal abuse of office.
The alleged crimes were reportedly committed during Dinha’s tenure as Bindura Town Council Mayor, 2004 – 2008.
Dinha who was recently appointed the National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe.
He, however, rejected the allegations saying that he was being framed by his political enemies in Mashonaland Central.
Among other allegations, ZACC alleges that Dinha sold Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet Minister, Nicholas Goche without seeking approval from Bindura Town Council.
In a letter dated August 5, 2019, to Bindura Municipality, ZACC investigations manager, Mr Lovemore Findi, said:
The then Executive Mayor, Advocate Martin Dinha bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then-mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use.
In 2008, Adv Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.
More: The Herald