Bulawayo deputy mayor cleared of bribe allegations

Bulawayo's deputy mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, was acquitted on Wednesday of corruption charges linked to a proposed cement plant investment, bringing to an end months of court proceedings that had placed him under intense scrutiny.

Ndlovu had been accused of demanding a US$20,000 bribe from a company seeking land to establish the project. But Magistrate Richard Ramaboea cleared him of wrongdoing, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In his judgment, Ramaboea described the State's key evidence as "contradictory and unreliable," noting that the inconsistencies in witness testimony "were material and went to the root of the case." He added: "The State did not provide sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction."

The acquittal marks a significant victory for Ndlovu, a senior figure in the Bulawayo City Council, who had consistently denied the allegations and maintained that he was the target of political machinations.

Speaking briefly after the verdict, the deputy mayor said the ruling had vindicated him. "I am grateful that the truth has prevailed. I can now focus fully on serving the people of Bulawayo," Ndlovu told reporters.

The National Prosecuting Authority has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision.

The case had attracted wide public attention, coming at a time when Bulawayo is struggling to attract large-scale industrial investment. Observers said the trial had threatened to dent investor confidence in the city's leadership, particularly as officials have been pushing to lure new projects to boost employment and economic growth.