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3 Tsholotsho RDC councillors fired, 2 exonerated
2 hrs ago |
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Government has dismissed three Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) councillors following the conclusion of an independent tribunal that investigated allegations of criminal abuse of office and fraud linked to council operations, including CAMPFIRE funds.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, who had earlier suspended the five councillors in February pending investigations.
The affected councillors were Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7), Busani Vundla (Ward 6), Jabulani Ndlovu (Ward 10), and Felix Tshuma (Ward 21).
They were accused of various offences including alleged misuse of CAMPFIRE revenues and fraud.
Following their suspension, Minister Garwe appointed an independent tribunal to examine the charges and allow the councillors to respond.
Tsholotsho RDC chief executive officer, Mr Nkululeko Sibanda, confirmed the outcome of the process.
"According to the communication that I received from the ministry, the tribunal cleared Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7) and Busani Vundla (Ward 6). Those who were discharged are Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Ndlovu Ward 10 and Felix Tshuma from Ward 21," he said.
The three councillors who were dismissed are reportedly preparing to challenge the decision at the High Court.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has announced that by-elections to fill the vacant seats will be held on 20 June, with nomination courts set for 20 May.
The by-elections will also include Ward 9 in Chiredzi, according to the official notice.
The developments pave the way for fresh local authority elections in affected wards as council operations continue under interim arrangements.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, who had earlier suspended the five councillors in February pending investigations.
The affected councillors were Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7), Busani Vundla (Ward 6), Jabulani Ndlovu (Ward 10), and Felix Tshuma (Ward 21).
They were accused of various offences including alleged misuse of CAMPFIRE revenues and fraud.
Following their suspension, Minister Garwe appointed an independent tribunal to examine the charges and allow the councillors to respond.
Tsholotsho RDC chief executive officer, Mr Nkululeko Sibanda, confirmed the outcome of the process.
"According to the communication that I received from the ministry, the tribunal cleared Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7) and Busani Vundla (Ward 6). Those who were discharged are Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Ndlovu Ward 10 and Felix Tshuma from Ward 21," he said.
The three councillors who were dismissed are reportedly preparing to challenge the decision at the High Court.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has announced that by-elections to fill the vacant seats will be held on 20 June, with nomination courts set for 20 May.
The by-elections will also include Ward 9 in Chiredzi, according to the official notice.
The developments pave the way for fresh local authority elections in affected wards as council operations continue under interim arrangements.
Source - The Chronicle
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