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Municipal Reporter
CHITUNGWIZA mayor Mr Lovemore Maiko was yesterday recalled from council by his party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T), led by Mr Douglas Mwonzora.
Mr Maiko said Ward 7 councillor.
The recall was notified in a letter from Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, addressed to Chitungwiza acting town clerk, Mrs Evangelista Machona.
“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the MDC-T stating that the following councillor has been expelled from the party Clr Lovemore Maiko.
“In terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with Section (1) (k), Ward 7 is now vacant. In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of this vacancy,” said Minister Moyo.
Acting town clerk Mrs Machona confirmed receiving the letter of recall, and said she had notified Mr Maiko of his recall through a written notice.
The letter to Mr Maiko reads: “Kindly be advised that we are in receipt of a letter from Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo dated March 1, 2022 informing council that you have been expelled from your party, the Movement of Democratic Change-T.
“In view of the above, kindly be advised that you are no longer a Councillor for Ward 7 and the Ward is now vacant with effect from March 2, 2022.”
In the letter, Mrs Machona directed Mr Maiko to return all council properties in his possession.
“Please ensure that you surrender any property that belongs to council to the acting chamber secretary, through the audit manager.
“Allow me to extend my profound gratitude for the valuable contribution you have rendered to the municipality during your period as Councillor and mayor,” reads the letter.
Mr Maiko becomes the latest to be recalled by the MDC-T, which has removed many legislators and councillors since the acrimonious dispute that arose between Mr Mwonzora and Mr Nelson Chamisa.
Both claimed to be leaders of the MDC-Alliance, but the courts ruled in favour of Mr Mwonzora.
Zimbabwe is bracing for 28 National Assembly and 105 council by-elections to fill vacancies that arose mainly after the MDC-Alliance recalls.
Online Reporter