Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
A potentially volatile and chaotic situation is brewing at Beitbridge Municipality where the town’s mayor, Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta, has defied a resolution by fellow councillors to suspend him.
He stands accused of incompetence, dereliction of duty and stalling capital projects.
The majority of councillors at the local authority belong to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Following a lengthy full council meeting on Monday, the councillors resolved to relieve the mayor of his duties and appointed Deputy Mayor John Manatsa to act. They stated that Clr Mafuta will remain suspended pending a response from the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Cde Daniel Garwe.
Six councillors supported the motion, which was put forward by Ward 4 Councillor, Emmanuel Takutaku. However, Clr Mafuta has rejected the resolution, claiming his colleagues have overstepped their authority.
“I remain the Mayor of Beitbridge. The only person, who can legally suspend me is the Minister of Local Government and Public Works as per the existing laws,” he said.
“The minister can only suspend me following a tribunal, inquiry, or investigation into the allegations , none of which has occurred. So, I cannot be suspended through a mere council resolution.
“Despite being briefed by management and council lawyers on the law, the councillors wilfully chose to ignore it. As far as I am concerned, I am still the mayor of this town. This is a power-hungry move by certain individuals.”
During the full council meeting, councillors argued that Clr Mafuta had failed to provide effective leadership thereby hampering council’s ability to provide quality services.
They said his inaction was stalling progress on numerous capital projects, including the upgrading of Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus, the acquisition of a grader, and the construction of a sewer trunk in new suburbs. They also accused the mayor of failing to provide feedback on developmental issues discussed during meetings.
Concerns were also raised over the mayor’s frequent unavailability, which they said had made it difficult to hold full council meetings in line with the council schedule. The councillors expressed worry over the town’s unresolved water challenges dating back to 2024.
“As councillors, we have lost confidence in the leadership of Mayor Peter Pirato Mafuta,” reads part of the adopted
motion.
“The Urban Councils Act requires the council, through the office of the mayor, to supervise the executive. The council has passed several resolutions and approved projects that remain incomplete.
“All this has led residents to question whether as councillors we are able to represent them effectively.”
Mr Gabriel Masvora, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ Director of Communications and Advocacy, said they were yet to receive full details on the matter.
The councillors’ latest move has been welcomed by several Beitbridge residents, who expressed hopes for improved service delivery — particularly in road maintenance, sewer systems and water reticulation.
In separate interviews, residents said they hoped the acting mayor and his team would address critical service delivery issues by working with all relevant stakeholders.
Some also voiced concerns over low staff morale at the local authority, with council employees reportedly owed nearly three months’ salary.
“This was long overdue. As residents, we have been wondering what exactly is wrong with our local authority,” said Mrs Lumbedzani Ribombo, a committee member of the Beitbridge Residents Association.
“Under the previous mayor, things were moving in terms of service delivery, but now it feels like we’ve been left on our own. We welcome the decision to try new hands and hope that those appointed will drive people-centred service delivery.”
Another resident, Mr Kudakwashe Chasauka, noted that while residents were not privy to internal council affairs, councillors may have reached their decision out of frustration. He however said council management should also shoulder the blame.
@tupeyo
