The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
Chipinge Town Council has extended to September 9 the suspension of its secretary Ms Susan Dube after a tribunal failed to sit.
Ms Dube, who is facing two counts of criminal abuse of office and theft charges, was supposed to return to work on August 9 after the suspension period lapsed.
However, the tribunal which was set up by the local authority to determine her fate, could not convene.
This resulted in councillors holding a meeting yesterday and resolved to extend Ms Dube’s suspension.
Council chairperson, Councillor Lovemore Mkwapati of Ward Six, confirmed the development.
“On Wednesday, we convened a special council meeting to discuss the issue of the suspended Town Secretary, Ms Susan Dube. According to the provisions of the Urban Councils’ Act, her suspension was supposed to end on August 9.
“However, her case was due to be finalised before the stipulated time, but in compliance with Covid-19 regulations, which are taking precedence, we were unable to convene. In the interest of both parties, the lawyers representing us and her agreed that the matter be deferred until we are able to hold the meeting to determine her fate,” said Cllr Mkwapati.
Cllr Mkwapati said in the meeting they also discussed Ms Dube’s welfare.
“She wrote to us requesting her benefits like school fees, transport and airtime allowances. It was resolved that she will only get her salary while all the allowances were suspended,” he said.
