By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, has suspended five Tsholotsho Rural District councillors pending investigations by a ministerially appointed committee.
Matabeleland South Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services information Desk has reported in their Official WhatsApp Channel.
The suspended councillors are Witness Khumalo (Ward 1), Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7), Busani Vundla (Ward 6), Jabulani Ndlovu (Ward 10), and Felix Tshuma (Ward 21).
They are facing allegations that include criminal abuse of office and fraud.
The five are expected to appear before an independent tribunal, in a move the Ministry says reflects Government’s commitment to due process and institutional accountability.
Meanwhile, a similar stance on accountability has been demonstrated in Mangwe District, where the justice system acted to protect community resources.
Mangwe Ward 15 councillor Sydney Ngwenya (53) was arrested, prosecuted, and convicted together with his accomplice, Benjamin Ncube (71), after unlawfully withdrawing funds from a CAMPFIRE Committee bank account in excess of the authorised amount.
The court handed down suspended custodial sentences and fines, reinforcing the principle that public and community funds must be protected and used strictly for development purposes.