Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Councilor, arrested for alleged $20 000 bribery scheme
In a dramatic turn of events, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Bulawayo City Council Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Councilor Mpumelelo Moyo for allegedly demanding a $20,000 bribe to facilitate land approval. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the city’s political landscape, casting a spotlight on corruption within local governance.
The accusations stem from an incident involving Labenmon Investments, a company seeking to establish a cement mixing plant in Bulawayo. In November 2023, Tsitsi Mapfumo, a representative of the company, applied for 10 hectares of land through the Bulawayo City Council. The application was unsuccessful. In April 2024, Labenmon Investments resubmitted the request and was offered 5.6 hectares.
Shortly after receiving the offer letter, Ndlovu and Moyo allegedly approached Mapfumo and demanded $20,000 in cash as a “reward” for facilitating the approval. The pair claimed the money would be distributed among 20 other councillors involved in the decision-making process. Mapfumo reported the incident to ZACC, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of the two officials.
Ndlovu and Moyo are expected to appear at Tredgold Magistrates Court on November 16, 2024, to face bribery charges. Their arrest has triggered widespread public outrage and raised concerns about the integrity of local government officials.
ZACC has reiterated its commitment to eradicating corruption at all levels of government. The commission has encouraged members of the public to report similar incidents, emphasizing that accountability is key to restoring confidence in public institutions.
As the court date approaches, Bulawayo residents and stakeholders are demanding transparency and justice. The case has become a focal point in discussions about governance and ethics, with many calling for stronger measures to curb corruption. All eyes are now on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served in this high-profile case.
