Millionaire and President Robert Mugabe business partner Billy Rautenbach who brutally displaced Chsumbanje villagers, is demanding $24 million from Harare’s Marimba Park residents.
Rautenbach owns the area which was invaded by a pro Zanu PF housing cooperative and constructed houses for more than 1000 people.
ZimEye.com came to know about Rautenbach’s demands this week after the Harare city council wanted to demolish the settlement on allegations that it was illegal.
Saviour Kasukuwere the minister of local government had to rush to the area and stop the demolitions and ordered for the regularisation of the settlement.
Residents at the settlement said the white businessman wants $24 000 from each household.
Rautenbach in 2009 controversially take over 5,000 hectares of land in Chisumbanje and displaced t 2000 villagers without compensation.