- Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to The Standard newspaper.
- The demand is for the retraction of an article published in its Sunday edition.
- The article falsely alleged Minister Garwe’s involvement in a land deal that led to arrests.
- Harare deputy mayor Rosemary Muronda and former MP Shadreck Mashayamombe were arrested in connection with the land dispute.
Minister Garwe has strongly distanced himself from the ongoing land dispute, stating the allegations in The Standard’s article, titled “Garwe’s head in Harare’s land scandal exposed,” are false and without foundation. His legal representatives, Samukange and Hungwe Attorneys, have warned of legal action should the newspaper fail to retract the defamatory article and issue an apology. The controversy highlights heightened scrutiny over land deals and corruption within local governance in Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is actively investigating the matter, having also questioned Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume in connection with the same land issue. The demand for retraction underscores the minister’s commitment to protecting his reputation amidst allegations that his lawyers claim were intended to ‘soil, mudsling and malign his good name.’
Timeline
- **January 26, 2026:** Minister Garwe’s lawyers, Samukange and Hungwe Attorneys, issued a letter of demand to The Standard newspaper.
- **January 27, 2026:** The Herald reported on Minister Garwe’s 48-hour ultimatum for the retraction of the article.
Key Players
- **Minister Daniel Garwe:** Minister of Local Government and Public Works, demanding retraction.
- **The Standard newspaper:** Zimbabwean publication accused of false reporting.
- **Rosemary Muronda:** Harare deputy mayor, arrested in connection with the land dispute.
- **Shadreck Mashayamombe:** Former Harare South MP, also arrested in the land dispute.
- **Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc):** Investigating the land deal and related arrests.
