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Bulawayo deputy mayor granted bail on corruption charges
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The Bulawayo High Court has granted bail to Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, who face allegations of soliciting a US$20,000 bribe over a land allocation deal. The two were each released on US$100 bail, with strict conditions imposed by Justice Ngoni Nduna.
Bail Conditions
The court ordered Ndlovu and Moyo to, reside at their declared home addresses, surrender their passports, and report weekly to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Additionally, Councillor Moyo, who chairs the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Finance Development Committee, was required to surrender the title deeds to his house.
The case was remanded to December 13, 2024, following their appearance before Bulawayo Magistrate Shepherd Mjanja on Friday.
Allegations
State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni outlined the charges, which stem from events between October 10 and November 14, 2024. During this period, the councillors allegedly demanded a bribe from Tsitsi Mapfumo, the coordinator of Labenmon Investments (Private) Limited, a Chinese company seeking to develop a cement mixing plant on 5.6 hectares of land allocated in the Umvumil Industrial area.
In November 2023, Labenmon Investments applied for 10 hectares of land but was informed by the Town Planner, Mr. Mkhwebu, that no land was available. A second application was submitted in April 2024, detailing the proposed project. On October 10, 2024, the council allocated 5.6 hectares for the plant.
After the allocation, Cllr Moyo allegedly approached Mapfumo at her residence, stating that council members expected a "reward" for facilitating the decision. Moyo reportedly made follow-up phone calls before visiting Mapfumo again with Ndlovu to demand US$20,000, explaining that the amount was meant to give US$1,000 to each of 20 councillors.
ZACC Involvement
Mapfumo, feeling pressured by the councillors' demands, reported the matter to ZACC, which set up a trap. The operation resulted in the arrest of both councillors.
"Ndlovu listed the names of the 20 councillors and left the list with the complainant," said Nyoni.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with observers awaiting further developments as it moves to trial. If convicted, the councillors could face severe penalties under Zimbabwe's anti-corruption laws.
Bail Conditions
The court ordered Ndlovu and Moyo to, reside at their declared home addresses, surrender their passports, and report weekly to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Additionally, Councillor Moyo, who chairs the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Finance Development Committee, was required to surrender the title deeds to his house.
The case was remanded to December 13, 2024, following their appearance before Bulawayo Magistrate Shepherd Mjanja on Friday.
Allegations
State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni outlined the charges, which stem from events between October 10 and November 14, 2024. During this period, the councillors allegedly demanded a bribe from Tsitsi Mapfumo, the coordinator of Labenmon Investments (Private) Limited, a Chinese company seeking to develop a cement mixing plant on 5.6 hectares of land allocated in the Umvumil Industrial area.
In November 2023, Labenmon Investments applied for 10 hectares of land but was informed by the Town Planner, Mr. Mkhwebu, that no land was available. A second application was submitted in April 2024, detailing the proposed project. On October 10, 2024, the council allocated 5.6 hectares for the plant.
After the allocation, Cllr Moyo allegedly approached Mapfumo at her residence, stating that council members expected a "reward" for facilitating the decision. Moyo reportedly made follow-up phone calls before visiting Mapfumo again with Ndlovu to demand US$20,000, explaining that the amount was meant to give US$1,000 to each of 20 councillors.
ZACC Involvement
Mapfumo, feeling pressured by the councillors' demands, reported the matter to ZACC, which set up a trap. The operation resulted in the arrest of both councillors.
"Ndlovu listed the names of the 20 councillors and left the list with the complainant," said Nyoni.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with observers awaiting further developments as it moves to trial. If convicted, the councillors could face severe penalties under Zimbabwe's anti-corruption laws.
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