The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT has instituted an investigation into the conduct of Mutare City councillors who are facing a litany of allegations, including issues of maladministration and victimisation of staff.
A notice of the commencement of the investigation, which this newspaper is in possession of, confirms that the investigation team started its work on Monday.
The investigation committee comprises chairman Mr Morgan Hungwe, Ms Melody Musengi, Mr Lickel Sebele and Mr Leornard Gopoza.
The Manica Post understands that the investigation stems from a dossier that was prepared and forwarded to the Local Government Ministry by several former employees of the local authority who felt hard done by the city fathers.
It is alleged that employees at the local authority were being victimised on political grounds, while business and residential stands were being parcelled out unprocedurally to councillors and managers.
Reads part of the notice: “Honorable Minister (Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo) appointed an investigation team to look into allegations of maladministration, victimization of staff as well as interference in council operations by councillors at Mutare City Council.
“To this end, the members shall be commencing their exercise during the week beginning 10 April 2023, and shall be engaged in the exercise for ten working days. Thereafter, the team shall compile its report within five days for presentation to the Honourable Minister.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Public Works and Public Works Public confirmed that investigations have already commenced.
“The investigation into the conduct of Mutare City councillors is ongoing. There were concerns that were raised and what we intend to do is to verify the authenticity of the allegations. This is being done within the relevant legal parameters.
“If the investigation establishes that there is indeed a case to answer, then those implicated will face the music. A tribunal will be set up to determine whether they are guilty or not. If they are guilty then recommendations will be made. The procedure is guided by Section 129 of the Constitution,” reads part of the statement.
It is understood that investigations will also cover the hefty allowances that were being paid to the city fathers without the necessary approval.
City of Mutare’s Mayor Simon Chabuka and 11 councillors, including former Mayor Blessing Tandi, once spent a night in police holding cells after they were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission for inflating their allowances above the rates stipulated in a Ministerial directive, thereby prejudicing Mutare City Council of $12.3 million.
Those arrested include Councillors Farai Bhiza, Elizabeth Tsoro, Zwenyika Misi, Daniel Saunyama, Tsitsi Ziweya, Bierman Nyanhanda, Exavia Upare, Sekai Cathrine, Thomas Nyamupa Ngedengu, Calvin Matsiya.
The case is still pending before the courts.
