News / Local
Zanu-PF councillor in Bulawayo suspended over fraud
2 hrs ago |
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Bulawayo Ward 1 councillor Josiah Mutangi has been suspended from office with immediate effect following allegations of fraud, gross misconduct and violations of local government laws.
The suspension was effected by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who cited serious allegations relating to the councillor's conduct while serving in office.
According to the ministry, Mutangi is accused of soliciting and accepting money from vendors while allegedly promising to secure vending bays for them.
Authorities allege that the transactions resulted in 14 counts of fraud and brought the City of Bulawayo into disrepute.
The suspension letter states that the allegations constitute acts of misconduct warranting disciplinary action and possible further investigation.
Mutangi has been given seven days to respond to the allegations and provide representations to the minister.
Should the explanations prove unsatisfactory, the matter could be referred to an independent tribunal for a formal inquiry in terms of the relevant provisions of local government legislation.
The suspension means Mutangi will be barred from performing his duties as a councillor pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of local authority officials and elected representatives over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, particularly in areas involving the allocation of vending spaces, housing stands and other municipal resources.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has in recent years intensified efforts to address allegations of misconduct within local authorities, with several councillors and council officials facing disciplinary action or investigations over governance-related issues.
Mutangi had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
The suspension was effected by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who cited serious allegations relating to the councillor's conduct while serving in office.
According to the ministry, Mutangi is accused of soliciting and accepting money from vendors while allegedly promising to secure vending bays for them.
Authorities allege that the transactions resulted in 14 counts of fraud and brought the City of Bulawayo into disrepute.
The suspension letter states that the allegations constitute acts of misconduct warranting disciplinary action and possible further investigation.
Should the explanations prove unsatisfactory, the matter could be referred to an independent tribunal for a formal inquiry in terms of the relevant provisions of local government legislation.
The suspension means Mutangi will be barred from performing his duties as a councillor pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of local authority officials and elected representatives over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, particularly in areas involving the allocation of vending spaces, housing stands and other municipal resources.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has in recent years intensified efforts to address allegations of misconduct within local authorities, with several councillors and council officials facing disciplinary action or investigations over governance-related issues.
Mutangi had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
Source - The Chronicle
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