Bulawayo Councillor Suspended Over Fraud Allegations

By Monalisa Ntibane

Bulawayo Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi has been suspended with immediate effect by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, over allegations of fraud, gross misconduct and violations of the law.

According to the ministry, Mutangi is accused of soliciting and accepting money from vendors while allegedly promising them vending bays, resulting in 14 counts of fraud and bringing the local authority into disrepute.

In a suspension letter, the minister said the allegations warrant investigation and disciplinary action in terms of the law governing local authorities.

Mutangi has been given seven days to submit written representations responding to the allegations.

The ministry said the matter could be referred to an independent tribunal for further investigation and determination.

The suspension takes immediate effect pending the outcome of the disciplinary process.

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