News / National
Vic Falls Town Clerk dismisses suspension as a campaign of 'appalling fabrications'
05 Dec 2024 at 12:39hrs | Views
Victoria Falls City Council Town Clerk Ronnie Dube has dismissed his suspension over alleged corruption and abuse of office as a campaign of "appalling fabrications" orchestrated by long-standing rivals within the municipality. This marks yet another chapter in Dube's contentious tenure, as he faces fresh investigations under current mayor Prince Thuso Moyo, following similar probes under former mayor Somveli Dlamini.
Dube was suspended on December 2 during a full council meeting convened by Moyo. The suspension, enforced under Section 29: (3) of the Urban Councils Act, bars Dube from accessing council premises for 14 days pending further investigation.
In his suspension letter, Moyo outlined multiple accusations, including: Allocating residential stands to individuals allegedly related to him - Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Salitsozo - without following proper council procedures. Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without adhering to tender processes. Selling and transferring a property in Chinotimba Township without council receiving payment or following due procedure.
The allegations are detailed in council reports and meeting minutes obtained by The NewsHawks.
Moyo defended the decision, stating:
"The investigations are going on, and the council accepted the suspension. We have communicated to the Ministry and will announce the resolutions after deliberations."
Dube, who has weathered similar allegations in the past, strongly refuted the claims, attributing his suspension to malicious efforts by internal adversaries.
"All I can say for now is the report used to suspend me is not based on facts - it is appallingly fabricated. It is sad that public funds are being wasted on investigating appalling fabrications," he said.
Dube also alleged that tactics used in the current suspension mirrored past efforts to remove him, including the hiring of individuals to physically hound him out of office.
The suspension was endorsed by councillors during the full council meeting. The matter has also been reported to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the District Development Coordinator's office.
The council's investigation is expected to determine whether Dube will face further disciplinary action or reinstatement. While Dube has vowed to prove his innocence, his tenure remains under intense scrutiny as the city grapples with governance challenges.
This suspension reignites debates over accountability and political infighting within Zimbabwe's local government structures.
Dube was suspended on December 2 during a full council meeting convened by Moyo. The suspension, enforced under Section 29: (3) of the Urban Councils Act, bars Dube from accessing council premises for 14 days pending further investigation.
In his suspension letter, Moyo outlined multiple accusations, including: Allocating residential stands to individuals allegedly related to him - Priscilla Thabolo and Portia Salitsozo - without following proper council procedures. Awarding a contract to Cascade Engineering Consultants without adhering to tender processes. Selling and transferring a property in Chinotimba Township without council receiving payment or following due procedure.
The allegations are detailed in council reports and meeting minutes obtained by The NewsHawks.
Moyo defended the decision, stating:
"The investigations are going on, and the council accepted the suspension. We have communicated to the Ministry and will announce the resolutions after deliberations."
Dube, who has weathered similar allegations in the past, strongly refuted the claims, attributing his suspension to malicious efforts by internal adversaries.
"All I can say for now is the report used to suspend me is not based on facts - it is appallingly fabricated. It is sad that public funds are being wasted on investigating appalling fabrications," he said.
Dube also alleged that tactics used in the current suspension mirrored past efforts to remove him, including the hiring of individuals to physically hound him out of office.
The suspension was endorsed by councillors during the full council meeting. The matter has also been reported to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and the District Development Coordinator's office.
The council's investigation is expected to determine whether Dube will face further disciplinary action or reinstatement. While Dube has vowed to prove his innocence, his tenure remains under intense scrutiny as the city grapples with governance challenges.
This suspension reignites debates over accountability and political infighting within Zimbabwe's local government structures.
Source - online
