Outcry over suspension of CCC councillor

Villagers in Ward 6, Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, have expressed concern over the suspension of councillor Busani Vundla, following allegations of gross misconduct and wilful violation of the law.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced Vundla's suspension on January 28, saying the councillor had been given seven days to respond to the allegations levelled against him.

"In terms of section 157(1) of the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13], as read with the Local Government Laws Amendment Act of 2016, I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you, councillor Vundla, are guilty of gross misconduct and wilful violation of the law," Garwe said in a letter.

Garwe added that the suspension was with immediate effect and was based on alleged violations referenced under section 157(1)(c) and (e) of the Act. He warned that failure by Vundla to respond within the stipulated period would result in the matter being referred to an independent tribunal.

The allegations relate to Vundla's alleged failure to account for 1 000 litres of fuel that was entrusted to him for transporting bricks and pit sand for a school construction project in the ward.

According to Garwe, the single receipt submitted by the councillor "was deemed suspicious and inconsistent with normal fuel procurement procedures," raising concerns of possible misappropriation of public funds.

However, the suspension has triggered unease among some residents, who argue that the allegations are politically motivated and do not reflect the views of the community.

"These are personal fights between him and the former councillor," said a local resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We are working well with him and have no qualms."

A traditional leader from the area also questioned the process, saying the community had not been consulted before action was taken.

"We are not aware and we will wait for an official announcement because we are supposed to be the ones making those allegations as a community, not the other way round," the traditional leader said.

As the matter unfolds, residents say they are awaiting clarity on the allegations and the outcome of the process, amid concerns that local governance in the ward could be destabilised by what they perceive as internal disputes rather than community-driven accountability.