By Ziyah News Chief Reporter
Beitbridge-Confusion has gripped the SDP suburb of Beitbridge as residents face the sudden resignation of their long-serving Residents Committee Chairperson, Abel Hindi. The move comes amid allegations of fabricated accusations, persecution, and threats to his life and family.
The SDP suburb has become one of the most organized in Beitbridge over the past eight years, thanks partly to Hindi’s leadership and selfless sacrifice in coordinating fellow residents to spur development. Hence the SDP has become of the most organised suburbs in the town with structured development that can easily be traced by any town planner. But the community is at crossroads amid allegations of an imposed Ward Development Committee backed by the Ward 5 Councillor Mary Ngorima, said to have usurped the work being the Residents Development Committee.
Fears of stalling of development projects spearheaded by the Residents are abound among SDPians.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Hindi revealed that his persecution stems from political opponents and jealousy individuals .
“My persecution has its roots in politics as my political opponent then when I contested for the councillorship position has found a way to use people in the name of the Residents Association to fight her perceived political opponent, she thinks as long as I am working with the people I remain a political threat,” he said
Hindi explained that the onslaught against him has been relentless, and he had made the decision to quit some time ago. However, he wanted to ensure that subcommittees were in place to continue the work on projects such as electricity, piped water, and security.
The former Chairperson alleged that fabricated accusations and threatening calls have been made against him, and that individuals have been discouraging residents from participating in initiatives.
“Enemies have been increasing exponentially, and my life is at risk, It started with fabricated accusations, threatening calls made by people who are jealousy of the work my committee has done including establishing a functioning neighbourhood watch committee, creating three different accounts for contributions by residents towards security, funerals and hospital bills for anyone faced with hospitalization. There are fights coming against me from all angles, now even when we announce plans to initiate something, there are individuals who are discouraging people. The person who has been fighting me identified willing proxies who are against me to make sure the work of the Residence Association is undermined through me,” he said.
Residents expressed dismay at Hindi’s abrupt resignation, with some adamant that they can only work with him due to his commitment to the community. Hindi apologized for announcing his resignation over the phone and urged residents to allow him to quit, citing the risks to his life.
“The people I have worked with, if you love me, allow me to quit as enemies have been increasing exponentially, my life is at risk. I would also want to apologies to the residents for announcing my resignation over the phone, you showed me love and support, I know it was proper that I would call a meeting and announce my decision and then we elect a leader that will continue with the work but it was not possible,” he adds.
A Local Government expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that politicians can participate in residents groupings but should not dictate what goes around and their decision making.
According to Professor Jephias Mapuva, residents associations are a local initiative by residents within a specific community. Through residents associations, citizens have the ability to keep local authorities in check and to demand accountability.
NB-This is a developing story, the Ziyah News Network crew is making attempts to get in touch with Councillor Ngorima.