×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Probe team gets Chombo golden handshake

News
CHINHOYI - The probe team tasked by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo to investigate allegations of gross mismanagement by fired Chinhoyi mayor Claudius Nyamhondoro and two MDC-T councillors, has reportedly been rewarded with a $30 000 golden handshake by the minister.

CHINHOYI – The probe team tasked by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo to investigate allegations of gross mismanagement by fired Chinhoyi mayor Claudius Nyamhondoro and two MDC-T councillors, has reportedly been rewarded with a $30 000 golden handshake by the minister.

Report by Own Correspondent

Chombo last month instructed the cash-strapped council to pay fees to members of the board of inquiry in terms of Section 311 (8) of the Urban Councils’ Act (Chapter 29:15).

Chinhoyi mayor Chipo Mlotshwa yesterday confirmed receipt of the ministerial directive.

“Yes, last month there was a directive from Chombo to pay members of the board of inquiry that handled the matter involving former mayor Nyamhondoro and two other councillors,” said Mlothswa.

“That’s all I can say as it is politically dangerous for me to comment on Chombo’s directives,” said Mlotshwa, before referring further questions to acting town clerk Webster Tembo.

Tembo was unavailable for comment.

According to documents shown to NewsDay, Chombo ordered the local authority to pay $22 000 to board chairperson, only identified as J Mutevedzi, and $8 000 to P Lubombo, although council sources claimed the pair did not preside over any hearing after the three accused refused to attend the hearings.

Councillors expressed anger at Chombo’s actions, which they said were bleeding an already struggling council.

Chombo dismissed the three on July 30 this year over allegations of corruption and incompetence.

The trio of Nyamhondoro (Ward 8), his deputy Willie Nyambi (Ward 3) and Ward 6 councillor Owen Charuza, were served with dismissal letters in October, although the letters were written in July.

They have challenged their suspension at the High Court.