Harare Correspondent
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed deep concern over the rampant corruption within local councils across Zimbabwe. His remarks come in light of several high-profile corruption cases involving both urban and rural council officials that have recently come to light.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
An ongoing commission of inquiry into the operations of the Harare City Council, led by Retired Justice Maphios Cheda, has uncovered significant graft among council officials. Notably, former Harare Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango is currently out on bail after being charged with illegally awarding a street lights tender to a company owned by Moses Mpofu.
Additionally, in Bulawayo, Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and councillor Mpumelelo Moyo were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for allegedly soliciting a US$20,000 bribe from Chinese investors.
Local government officials are also implicated in collusion with land barons, engaging in the illegal parcelling out of land, further exacerbating the corruption crisis.
Call to Action
During the All Councillors Indaba held in Harare, Mnangagwa ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of all corrupt local government officials. He stated,
“Those perpetrating such acts must face the full wrath of our country’s law. No one, including local authorities, will be spared. Let us root out this menace.”
The Indaba, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the Zimbabwe Local Government Association (ZILGA), brought together representatives from all 92 local and rural councils to address these pressing issues.
Mnangagwa’s strong stance against corruption reflects a broader commitment to restoring integrity within local governance and ensuring accountability among public officials.
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