The Saddam Hussein-style palace being built by Robert Mugabe could be used as proof in a corruption trial that the President plundered the country's coffers while his people starved, critics say.
| I'm sure they don't say it very loudly, though... |
"It is not as unlikely as it sounds. He (Mugabe) could have his house confiscated and turned into something useful, like a public building, when he leaves office and loses the protection he had as President," said John Makumbe, chairman of the Harare chapter of global corruption watchdog Transparency International.
| Talk about a high-traffic business location... |
Work on the lavish three-storey retirement home began two years ago in the plush northern Harare suburb of Borrowdale, home to the city's wealthy elite. The house is closely guarded, but Zimbabwe's independent media have reported that the house covers 1000sqm, with an ornate Chinese temple facade, ballrooms and hand-carved fittings. It is believed to be modelled closely on one of the palaces of former Iraqi dictator Hussein, a man whom Mr Mugabe admires openly. Dozens of dark, arched windows with pale wooden trim and deep blue roofing tiles can be seen above the high security walls. The tiles are said to have been imported from Shanghai. China has long backed Mr Mugabe, and the Chinese embassy is one of Harare's most important diplomatic homes. Mr Mugabe is regularly seen inspecting progress on the site. His free-spending wife, Grace, also is a regular visitor and is believed to have taken personal charge of decorating the estate. "Zambian president Frederic Chiluba was put on trial for corruption by his own party when he gave up power. The same thing could well happen to Mugabe when he goes," said Mr Makumbe.
| Assuming he goes. When he kicks it, Grace might have him stuffed and just leave him in power... |
There are already indications that not all in Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party approve of the way the country is being run. These party members would like to see some of the excesses of the current leadership curbed. Mrs Mugabe was forced in 2001 to sell a lavish home she owned nearby, dubbed Graceland, after she was accused of plundering a low-cost housing scheme for civil servants to build it. |