Local Government minister Daniel Garwe has ordered the immediate suspension of Ward 1 councillor Josiah Mutangi on allegations of gross misconduct.
In a letter May 28,2026, Garwe said the suspension was made “in line with Section 114(1) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], as read with the Local Government Laws Amendment Act of 2016.”
The minister stated: “I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you, councillor Josiah Mutangi, are guilty of gross misconduct and wilful violation of the law as referenced in Section 114(1)(c) and hereby suspend you, with immediate effect, from the office of councillor for Ward 1.”
According to the letter, Mutangi is facing four allegations, including 14 counts of fraud.
Garwe alleged that the councillor “committed 14 counts of fraud by soliciting and accepting money from vendors in exchange for promising to allocate vending bays contrary to council policy and law.”
The minister further alleged that Mutangi “demonstrated a recurring pattern of fraudulent behaviour” by exploiting “his position of trust for personal gain by issuing false promises and assurances to vendors.”
Garwe claimed that Mutangi “failed to adhere to established procedures for vendor allocation of bays resulting in reputational damage” and “failed to declare conflicts of interests and breached the code of conduct.”
Mutangi was ordered to respond to the allegations within seven, failing which the matter would be referred to an independent tribunal in terms of Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act.
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During the suspension period, Mutangi is barred from conducting any council business and will not be eligible to receive any form of remuneration.
