Graft probe could harm the party - MDC-T councillor

Deputy Harare mayor Emmanuel Chiroto said the move to probe allegations of corruption, amid reports party officials were abusing their positions to acquire residential plots, business premises and vehicles, was as "unfortunate" and warned that it could harm the party ahead of key elections next year.

MDC-T councillors around the country have blasted move.

A committee established to lead the probe by the party – which controls most of the country's main towns and cities -- is expected to begin work early next year.

Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo has already claimed that the decision vindicates his allegations of widespread administrative malfeasance by MDC-T's local government officials.

Chiroto told VOA reporter Violet Gonda the probe was driven by MDC legislators scared of being challenged by some of the councilors in the next round of national elections.

"Unfortunately councillors are not well represented in the National Council hence decisions against them can easily be passed," Chiroto said.

Some legislators "do not feel safe because quite a number of councilors are so much visible on the ground and very close to the electorate," he said.

Harare Residents Trust Coordinator, Precious Shumba welcomed the probe, charging that councilors have accumulated vast amounts of wealth in three years in office.

He said Harare residents were concerned at the lack of accountability on the part of elected councillors who, instead, concentrated on accumulating wealth instead of improving public services.