Chinhoyi Deputy Mayor slapped with three-year jail term for fraud

Walter Nyamukondiwa

Mashonaland West Bureau Chief

Chinhoyi Municipality Deputy Mayor, Chipo Mlotshwa, has been found guilty of fraudulently benefiting from a council stands discount facility and has been sentenced to 36 months in prison.

However, Mlotshwa, who is Ward 14 Councillor, will perform 840 hours of community service or serve 24 months in prison after Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe suspended 12 months on condition of good behaviour.

Mlotshwa (47) had pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Ms Marceline Mudzongo managed to prove that Mlotshwa had fraudulently misrepresented that she had not benefited from the stands discount scheme.

Allegations were that on July 23, 2019, Mlotshwa misrepresented to the Municipality of Chinhoyi that she had not benefited from the council’s discount facility on stands sold to councillors.

On the basis of the misrepresentation, Mlotshwa was allocated a stand measuring 2504.6 square metres and valued at ZWL$17 270.70 or USD$17 270.70, in Mapako, Chinhoyi.

She was granted a 40 percent discount and paid ZWL10 362.42 for the land. Chinhoyi Municipality suffered a prejudice of ZWL6 908.28 or US$6 908.28.

It was later established that Mlotshwa had been allocated another discounted stand on June 29, 2011.

This was against the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ Circular Number 12, which stipulates councillors’ allowances and perks.

According to the circular, a councillor is only eligible for one residential stand in their lifetime.

Mlotshwa is expected to commence community service at Alaska School on May 12, 2025.