Full Council Paper Trail Proves Mabelreign Tuckshops Were Approved

Mayor Mafume’s demolition slammed as documents show sign-offs from top officials, including Acting Town Clerk

Mabelreign Ward 16, Councillor Denford Ngadziore has been fully vindicated following the emergence of official City of Harare documents confirming that the Mabelreign shopping centre tuckshops, demolished on the instruction of Mayor Jacob Mafume- were lawfully approved by council’s senior leadership.

The latest developments put to rest earlier reports that Cnllr Ngadziore had acted unlawfully or independently.

In fact, the construction had been properly authorised and sanctioned at Town House.

Internal correspondence shows that on 19 December 2025, Cartin Mark Up Investments, trading as Arise & Shine, wrote to the City of Harare’s Housing and Community Services department seeking permission to construct a “temporary market facility” at Mabelreign Shopping Centre.

The letter stated explicitly, “This project is intended as a donation to the City of Harare to support council’s efforts in urban renewal and SME management.”

The proposal was then passed through all council structures.

Between 16 and 19 February 2026, key departments formally endorsed the project, with senior officials appending their signatures.

An official City of Harare response, dated 2 March 2026 and written by Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, confirmed the project was approved subject to specified conditions.

That letter received backing from
Isaiah Chawatama, Director of Works
,Samuel Nyabezi, Acting Director of Urban Planning
and Admore Nhekairo, Director of Housing and Community Services

The facility was intended to accommodate traders during renovations, while also easing congestion on pavements and shop verandas.

Councillor Ngadziore, who serves as chairperson of the council’s SMEs committee, had faced criticism after Mayor Mafume distanced himself from the councillor and suggested Ngadziore had acted alone and unlawfully, claims now contradicted by the council’s own paperwork.

It remains unclear why Mayor Mafume proceeded with the demolition despite clear authorisation from Town House.