Former Labour, Social Welfare Minister Petronella Kagonye arrested.
Former Labour, Social Welfare Minister Petronella Kagonye has been arrested on allegations of fraud. The Zimbabwe Republic Police Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirms the arrest saying Kagonye is facing charges related to illegal parceling of state land.
This happens after the president of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa said that land barons involved in giving people stands in wetlands would be dealt with. In 2019 Petronella Kagonye tried to construct a wedding venue on a wetland in Hillside Park Harare. The matter was taken to court by the Environmental Management Agency. She ignored the courts ruling and built her venue.
Petronella Kagonye was once a Member of Parliament for Goromonzi South Constituency. Due to the heavy rains wetland settlers have suffered the most. These areas have been characterised with flooding which has destroyed homes for many Zimbabweans in Harare and Gweru mostly. the effects have been severe that President Mnangagwa during his state address he mentions the problem. Land Barons are issuing out state land which is against the law. They are also violating the Environmental Acts by developing on wetlands.