Nkosentsha Khumalo
The recent bribery scandal involving Bulawayo City Council officials, the Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Ward 26 Councilor Mpumelelo Moyo, has raised significant concerns about corruption within local governance.
Deputy Mayor Ndlovu and Councillor Moyo have been accused of demanding a US$20,000 bribe from a Chinese investment firm, Labenmon Investments, which sought to establish a cement mixing plant in Bulawayo.
The accused persons were not asked to plead to the bribery charges during the trial yesterday and were remanded in custody until November 29 for the continuing of trial.
Acumen Khupe, Head of Regional Prosecutors at Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, represented the State, outlining the events that transpired between October 10 and November 14, 2024.
According to Khupe, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo allegedly demanded a US$20,000 bribe from Tsitsi Mapfumo, the coordinator for Labenmon Investments, a Chinese company, during this period.
This incident has sparked outrage among citizens who regret their election of these officials.
The allegations surfaced during a court hearing where it was revealed that Ndlovu and Moyo claimed to represent other councillors when they solicited the bribe. The funds were purportedly intended to compensate 20 councillors for facilitating the allocation of 5.6 hectares of land for the project. The bribe was demanded after the initial application for land was rejected due to a lack of availability, but subsequent negotiations led to the approval of the project, which is expected to create 500 jobs and significantly boost local cement supply.
Both officials were arraigned before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Mature and were remanded in custody until November 29, 2024, for further proceedings. The case has drawn attention not only for the actions of Ndlovu and Moyo but also for the broader implications regarding potential corruption among other councillors.
This scandal is part of a larger narrative of corruption within the Bulawayo City Council. Allegations have previously surfaced against Mayor Senator David Coltart, with claims that he is exploiting the city’s water crisis for personal gain. Such accusations highlight a troubling environment where corruption is perceived to be systemic, affecting various levels of local government.
The public’s reaction has been one of disappointment and concern, with many citizens questioning whether Ndlovu and Moyo acted independently or as part of a larger corrupt network. The upcoming trial is anticipated to shed light on these issues, as there are speculations that the arrested officials may reveal the involvement of other councillors who are facing imminent arrest as well.
Deputy Mayor Ndlovu, owns a fleet of vehicles from Gracious Driving School, and Moyo’s wealth is not in public domain but he is the City Council’s Chairperson for Finance and Development Committee.
As the situation develops, it remains crucial for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to ensure accountability and transparency within the council to restore public trust.
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