By Tanaka Chare
The government has instituted an investigation into the conduct of City of Gweru councillors and senior management
who are facing allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office.
According to the letter dated 13 February 2025, signed by the minister of local government and public works, Hon Daniel Garwe, addressed to Ms. K. Ncube, Chief Director, of local Authorities, appointing her as Chairperson of an Investigating Team to look into allegations against city fathers and the senior management.
“In terms of Section 311(1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), I hereby appoint you as Chairperson of an Investigation Team to look into allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office leveled against policymakers and management of Gweru City Council,” reads the letter.
The investigation committee also includes E. Njoma, deputy director of Public Works (Member); B. Mariwa, Financial Advisor at FAS (Member); and K.G Chakabva, PAO of Local Authorities (Secretary).
The terms of reference for the team are as follows, (1) To establish whether Gweru City City Council had implemented recommendations in the Ministry land audit of 2019, (2)To probe into alleged use of Estate Funds in purchase of vehicles for council officials in 2024. (3) To establish the alleged conversion of the aerodrome land to personal use, by His Worship, the Mayor Clr Chivhoko. (4) To Verify the conditions behind the Go-Beer deal between the Council and its new partners. (5) To look into any other issues related to or incidental to the above issues and service delivery.
(6) To write a report on findings and make recommendations to the Honourable Minister within ten days of the commencement of the investigation.
Minister Garwe said the team is expected to complete its investigation within 10 days and produce a report to him. The City of Gweru will bear the full costs inquiry.
City of Gweru Communication and Public Relations Officer, Vimbai Chingwaramusee when contacted for comment confirmed that the council received a letter from the ministry on the appointment of an investigating team to Gweru.
“We received a letter from our parent ministry that an investigating team is coming to investigate some allegations raised against management and councilors. Unfortunately, I am not privy to the allegations and I refer you to our parent ministry for information,” said Chingwaramusee.
