Atleast seven Tanzania political and government leaders, two in the incumbent government – have been found to own properties (houses) in Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa.
Investigations demonstrate that the kleptocrats have favoured real estate in South Africa cities as a means for hiding their money, believed to be ill gotten, especially from corruption and money laundering.
The spotted officials include Andrew Chenge, former Attorney General, William Ngeleja – former Minister for Energy and Minerals, William Lukuvi – current Minister of Land, Lazaro Nyalandu- former Minister of Tourism, Rostam Aziz – business mogul and former member of parliament, Freeman Mbowe – chairman of main opposition party(CHADEMA) and Dotto James – current Paymaster General.
It has come to light that five of the seven, are from the fourth phase government which was under President Jakaya Kikwete. Two are in the current government led by President John Magufuli.
Apart from these officials, another Tanzanian owning a house in Durban is Ephraim Mafuru who has worked for Serengeti Breweries, Kilombero Sugar and Vodacom Tanzania as a senior official. He is currently residing and working in the tourist-attractive city of South Africa.
Due to tight measures in other countries, South Africa and United Arab Emirates countries are favourable as they have loose laws on buying and selling houses, loopholes for corrupt officials to hide money.
We have come to understand that financial transactions involving real estate exhibit specific vulnerabilities, as purchasing houses can face comparatively less scrutiny in those countries.
As a result of that, money launderers can often use real estate to conceal funds, particularly by making cash payments or using shell companies.
Money laundering through real estate is now a preferred phenomenon by a series of high-profile officials in many African countries.