MDC-T fires its mayor on allegations of corruption

The Movement for Democratic Change led by PM Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC-T) has sacked the Mayor of Gweru, Tedius Chimombe and suspended four others among them Deputy Mayor Councillor Taurai Demo over allegations of corruption.
The party's decision follows findings by its national investigation committee, dubbed the "National Evaluation and Inspection of Local Authorities Committee" set up in April to investigate all MDC-T councillors following reports that the councillors were abusing office and engaging in corrupt deals.
The committee was headed by the former Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Mr Fidelis Mhashu. MDC-T Midlands South spokesperson Councillor James Tsuro confirmed the dismissal of three councillors from the party and the suspension of four others. He, however, could not be drawn into revealing the names of the seven affected councillors, arguing that the individuals were still to be served with their letters of dismissal or suspension.
"This was a national programme coordinated by our national executive. I, however, understand that the affected party members will have to be served with their letters of dismissal or suspension first before their names could be made public. I suggest you contact our party headquarters for further details," said Clr Tsuro.
However, a source within the MDC-T party alleged that the party dismissed Clr Chimombe, ward 19 councillor, Clr Clemence Kwaru and Clr Holly Dzuda.
The source further alleged that MDC-T also suspended for a year the deputy mayor, Clr Demo, Clr Canaan Dzingiso, Clr Trust Chinene and Clr Kumbirai Rutsvara.
"The four suspended councillors who include the Deputy Mayor, Clr Demo, were advised to apply for re-admission after a year and would rejoin as ordinary party members. The dismissed, who include the Mayor were not given room to appeal because the decision was made at the highest level," said the source.
MDC-T national spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora confirmed that the party had dismissed or suspended a total of 12 councillors nationwide.
He, however, refused to divulge their names saying the party would only release the names sometime this week after serving the individuals with their letters of suspension or dismissal.
Mr Mwonzora said the party took the decision to whip into line its councillors who were engaging in corruption following a public outcry.
"We dismissed a number of councillors who were engaging in high level corruption or were lured into corrupt deals by Zanu-PF people. Such people have no place in MDC-T. We dismissed and suspended a total of 12 councillors nationwide but we will only release their names anytime this week after serving the individuals with their letters of suspension or dismissal," said Mr Mwonzora.Clr Chimombe could not be reached for comment.