Court reinstates Town Council Auditor amid ongoing resistance

A Labour Court ruling last week overturned the dismissal of Manasseh Mhlolo, the internal auditor at Gokwe Town Council, who was fired eight months ago over a minor US$80 vehicle damage expense. Despite the court order, Mhlolo has faced ongoing resistance from the council's Acting Town Secretary, Engineer Melsen Masukume, preventing him from fully resuming his duties.

Mhlolo, speaking to The Midweek Watch, revealed that since his return on May 20, he has been relegated to working from the council foyer, as Masukume continues to block his access to his office.

"I am being persecuted and victimised to break my spirit, but audit is my calling. I have over 20 years of experience and won't be deterred," said Mhlolo. He explained that the incident in question happened in November 2023, before Masukume joined the council, when a minor accident caused a small crack on a council vehicle's fender during his trip to an IPSAS training. The council repaired the damage for US$81.

"I reported the accident honestly in my audit report. If I hadn't reported it, no one would have known about the small crack," Mhlolo added.

Masukume confirmed Mhlolo's return but stated that the council is awaiting a formal resolution before allowing him full access. "The court ordered his return, but the matter is now before the council. Committee and full council meetings will determine his fate," he said.

Mhlolo's dismissal has deepened divisions within the council. The local authority spent over US$15,000 on a disciplinary hearing panel composed of officials from Gweru City Council and Vungu Rural District Council - some 200 km away - raising concerns about the council's priorities.

Sources within the council allege that Mhlolo's firing was an attempt to stifle investigations into financial irregularities. "He did nothing wrong. His job is to ensure transparency. It's troubling that the council opposes a court ruling for his reinstatement. Spending thousands on this US$80 matter is wasteful. We call on government to intervene and restore sanity," said a source who asked to remain anonymous.

Another insider highlighted rampant irregular appointments and poor service delivery within the council. "Unqualified individuals are being appointed to acting positions, destabilising the authority. Financial mismanagement is clear - over US$15,000 was spent trying to justify Mhlolo's dismissal over a minor issue. Meanwhile, Masukume has been involved in three serious accidents causing over US$20,000 in damages, yet faces no consequences. Two council vehicles remain out of service due to neglect," the source added.

Residents have expressed concern that the ongoing obstruction of Mhlolo's work undermines the council's internal audit system, potentially enabling unchecked power and abuse.

Gokwe Town Council continues to face criticism for struggling to deliver effective services and to pay its workers, fueling calls for urgent reform and accountability.