Ken Sharpe’s Associate Tatiana Aleshina Faces Contempt of Parliament

By Staff Reporter

Controversial businessman Kenneth Raydon Sharpe’s aide, Tatiana Aleshina Ellis, faces possible contempt of Parliament charges after her company, Sunshine Development, failed to submit financial records and respond to written questions raised by the Auditor General and Members of Parliament over two months ago.

On September 17, the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, led by Kuwadzana East legislator Chalton Hwende, visited WestProp a company owned by Sharpe on a fact-finding mission (on Sunshine Development) prompted by concerns in the 2023 Auditor General’s Report.

Sunshine Development has Harare City Council as a shareholder

These concerns showed Sunshine Development’s repeated failure to submit financials dating back to its founding in 2007.

During the visit, Aleshina-Ellis assured committee members that her company would provide the financials and address their inquiries.

Murehwa South MP Noah Mangondo pressed the company on its relationship with the City of Harare, particularly regarding the incomplete Harare Airport Road project that has reportedly consumed over US$70 million without completion.

Chikanga MP Prosper Mutseyami further questioned how the city was expected to benefit from its partnership with Sunshine Development.

Two months later, Ellis and Sunshine Development have yet to respond to Parliament, prompting speculation that she may soon be summoned or charged with contempt of Parliament.

Aleshina-Ellis has previously asserted her connections to the country’s highest office, claiming immunity from public scrutiny.