By Tinoonga Mawere, Masvingo| Zanu PF activist and well known Grace Mugabe ally Gilbert Chikwata has resisted an eviction notice from Masvingo City Council following non payment of the trading licence of his ZimAsset shop, ZimEye.com can reveal.
Chikwata, who is the director of People’s Shop a multipurpose business enterprise he started as a beneficiary of Mrs Mugabe’s patronage, defied a directive from the city council to close the shop at Mucheke Terminus and also chased municipal officers from the premises.
The ZimAsset programme has been criticised for benefiting only Zanu PF functionaries while nothing is done to eradicate poverty among millions of Zimbabweans many who are unemployed and are droving the streets.
Chikwata who is facing arrears of up to $30 000 in unpaid licence fees and other utility bills, is using political muscles to defy the council directive. Several attempts to evict him have hit a brick wall since he boasts of being backed by Mrs Mugabe.
“Chikwata will not be evicted by people who are working all round to discredit the Dr Amai Mugabe inspired ZimAsset so no one will move him away from this shop,” said a worker at the People ‘s Shop.
Although Masvingo City Mayor Hubert Fidze was not readily available for a comment, Chikwata has reportedly vowed to continue with his business at the shop.
He also reportedly accused the municipal police officers of being imperialists and sellouts.