Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
THE Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo Edwin Ndlovu and Ward 3 Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo are in hot soup as their high-profile bribery trial kicked off this week at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court.
The two city fathers are accused of demanding a US$20 000 bribe from a company seeking to set up a cement mixing plant in Bulawayo. Labenmon Investments (Pvt) Ltd, had applied for a factory stand, and the councillors allegedly saw an opportunity to cash in.
Both men pleaded not guilty when they appeared before magistrate Richard Ramaboea on Tuesday.
According to the State, the alleged bribery drama unfolded between 10 October and 14 November 2024. Tsitsi Mapfumo, a representative of the Chinese-owned Labenmon Investments, claims she was repeatedly pressured for a “reward” after the company’s second application for land was approved.
Moyo, who chairs the city’s Finance and Development Committee, is accused of visiting Mapfumo at her home, telling her that councillors expected to be “appreciated” for making the deal happen. He allegedly phoned her multiple times, demanding the money and boldly stated it would be shared among 20 councillors, each getting US$1 000.
Mapfumo, feeling cornered, turned to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc). A trap was set, and both Moyo and Ndlovu were arrested during a sting operation.
In court, Moyo denied ever asking for a bribe. Through his lawyer Prince Butshe-Dube, he claimed he only met Mapfumo (who allegedly used the name MaNyathi) to discuss “developmental issues” and not money. He said the application was approved through proper channels and he had no dealings with Labenmon’s officers.
Ndlovu also denied the charges, arguing that he never met or spoke with Mapfumo outside of court and never demanded or received any money. His lawyer questioned the credibility of the evidence, particularly a suspicious document listing councillors’ names on a letterhead dated 12 November 2024. The defence claimed no statement was supplied to explain a claim that Mapfumo received US$20 000 from one Harrison Huo.
The State, however, remains firm on its position, saying both councillors attempted to abuse their positions for personal gain. The trial resumes on 28 July.
