BINDURA - Local Government minister, Ignatius ChomboDaniso Wakatama and his two councillors, Christopher Muzembi and Rindai Muchemwa, were cleared of all charges of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds after state failed to prove a prima facie against them.
The three were jointly charged with town clerk Japhet Kabanga, finance manager Felix Shayamano, Director of Health Kelton Chinowaita and Director of Works Guteni Guteni who were also acquitted by magistrate Miriam Banda.
Impeccable sources at the local authority told The Zimbabwean that Chombo had refused to reinstate the mayor and his staff. The source said Chombo considered the men to be guilty and said that only the ministry could clear them of their charges.
Its a deliberate ploy by Chombo to dilute all MDC-T led councils. These people were cleared by courts and they dont have any case to answer, but as you can see the minister has a personal vendetta against MDC politicians, said a source at the council who declined to be named.
Chombo is basing his argument on that the council officials flouted certain provisions of the Urban Councils Act but the court said there was no element of fraud.
Wakatama described the move by Chombo as politically motivated. Residents interviewed said the mayor was doing a splendid job in improving the delivery system.
The mayor and his staff are doing a great job to change the face of the town. They inherited the broke council and they need time to clean the mess which was left by Zanu (PF),said a local resident who declined to be named.
Post published in: News