In 2020 former Plumtree Town Council Secretary Davis Dumezweni Luthe was arrested on allegations of fraudulently selling council stands valued at more than US$1,8 million. @4lowthemoney @OpenParlyZw
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Previously, Luthe, in 2019, had been suspended for allegedly issuing 61 residential stands to a local businessman Mr Charles Moyo, who was based in South Africa without following proper procedures, but was later reinstated.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
In 2020 he was then arrested for allegedly offering the same businessman three stands unprocedurally.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Initially, Luthe appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Ms Sikhethile Moyo facing one count of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the criminal law (Codification and Reform Act and was remanded in custody to December 28 pending trial.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Prosecuting, Ms Ellaine Kanengoni said between June 2007& May 2009, Luthe undervalued three pieces of land offered to a local investor Mr Charles Moyo: 31 250 square metres to build a funeral parlour; 7 547,50 square metres for a lodge& 560 000 square meters for a shopping mall.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
The court heard that Luthe issued offer letters for the three properties, each stipulating the value of the concerned property together with other administrative ancillary charges.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
In terms of the letters, Mr Moyo was required to develop the three stands within 18 months from the date of offer. Luthe was alleged to have made a unilateral decision and entered into a personal agreement with Mr Moyo.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
A council meeting was accordingly held to incorporate his (Luthe) decision for the purpose of coming up with a council resolution in order to conceal his underhand dealings.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Accused person further decided to go to South Africa to visit Moyo with a delegation from Plumtree Town Council on the pretext that they were travelling to South Africa to hunt for investors.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
The court heard that upon their return from South Africa, Luthe came up with the barter trade concept purporting that it was agreed with Mr Moyo while they were in the neighbouring country.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
The barter trade was not explained in court papers but prosecutors say there were no supporting documents for the deal.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Investigations revealed that when Luthe initially offered the three stands, there was no barter trade involved, but the terms of agreement were later tampered with for the purposes of corruptly benefiting and showing favour to Mr Moyo.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
The matter came to light after Mr Moyo sued the town council for 61 low density stands for failing to honour the barter trade deal.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
According to records, there was no official agreement signed between council and Mr Moyo. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission carried out investigations, leading to Luthe’s arrest.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
Luthe resigned at the end of April in 2021 following his arrest over the corruption allegations. The move raised the ire of residents when it emerged that he was likely to walk away with a Toyota Fortuner vehicle and a house as his package.
— OpenCouncilHRE (@OpenCouncilHRE) March 25, 2024
