Zanu-PF councillor pleads for lenient sentence

Convicted Bulawayo Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi and his accomplice, Janet Zhou, face uncertainty over their sentencing after community service assessors ruled that Mutangi is not suitable for community service. The pair, who were found guilty on all 13 counts of fraud for deceiving vendors out of a total of US$200 each in exchange for promised vending bays, may now face either a fine or custodial sentences.

Mutangi and Zhou had pleaded not guilty through their lawyer, Constance Mathaba, but Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Richard Ramaboea convicted them and postponed sentencing to Wednesday.

In mitigation, Mathaba urged leniency, highlighting that Zhou has no previous convictions, played a minor role in the offences, and is willing to restitute the victims. She also argued that Mutangi, a first-time offender, has learned his lesson and is willing to repay the complainants. She noted that the 58-year-old councillor is married with six children, three of whom are minors, and argued that he has suffered significant reputational damage due to widespread media coverage.

However, community service assessors concluded that Mutangi's position of authority in society would make supervision difficult. Mathaba countered that the institution where he would serve is manned by police officers, who are trained to handle such situations.

Prosecutor Milton Moyo told the court that the fraud scheme began in February, when Mutangi and Zhou approached vendors in Bulawayo's central business district, requesting US$200 from each to secure vending bays. After collecting the money, the accused allegedly became evasive, failing to deliver the promised allocations. Victims included Chishamiso Chihota, Editor Hora, Priscilla Musingofa, Tatenda Mogoniwa, Pedzisai Nyamasoka, Zodwa Mhungu, Maria Takawira, Tymon Mpofu, Marygold Nkomo, Dambudzo Muvhuniwa, Thembalenkosi Ndlovu, Dianah Mucheki, and the late Noma Mpala.

The victims later reported the matter to authorities, leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Mutangi and Zhou. With the community service option now blocked, the court will determine whether the pair will pay fines or serve custodial sentences during the upcoming hearing.