Political Reporter

Most opposition mayors in Zimbabwe’s urban areas have failed to complete their terms of office due to corruption, nepotism and gross mismanagement of council properties.

A source who spoke to this publication said that from 2002, a number of opposition mayors had to be removed from office due to incompetence and corruption.

The source added that in Chitungwiza and Harare Municipalities, the opposition mayors were either arrested on allegations of corruption or are suspended for embezzlement of council funds.

“Since 2002, no opposition mayor in Chitungwiza and Harare managed to complete their terms of office because of corruption and mismanagement of council resources. In most cases, acting mayors chosen from ZANU PF councillors would later finish the term until the next elections,” said the source.

The source said that in Chitungwiza, three opposition councillors had occupied the mayoral seat from 2018 to date.

“During the current term, the mayoral post was occupied by three councillors from the opposition who were all fired on allegations of corruption, mismanagement of funds and illegally selling land. The current acting mayor from ZANU PF was appointed by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo to clean the mess left by opposition mayors,” said the source.

In an interview with this publication, Chitungwiza acting mayor, Kiven Mutimbanyoka revealed that he wanted to end corruption in that town by ensuring that people with the right attitude were employed by the council.

 “We are aware of corrupt activities which include illegal selling of stands by some land barons who are part of the council although we cannot reveal their names. The people involved include those who sit for council meetings as well as the management and as our 2018-2023 terms nears completion, I want to ensure that we weed out all corrupt elements from Chitungwiza Municipality and ensure that residents get adequate and quality services,” said Mutimbanyoka.

Meanwhile, in 2005, MDC councillor, Mayor Misheck Shoko was suspended on allegations of gross misconduct. Between 2008 and 2013, MDC councillors Paul Marange and Philemon Chipiyo were removed as mayors on allegations of corruption and illegal selling of land. Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor, Lovemore Maiko was also suspended as councillor last year on allegations of corruption and embezzlement of council funds.