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four member team to investigate suspended MDC-T Harare councillor Exevia Vengesai who is facing corruption charges.
The Borrowdale Ward 18 councillor was suspended a fortnight ago following reports of dishonesty involving council money and property.
Mashonaland East provincial administrator, Mr Cuthbert Ndarukwa, chairs the commission of inquiry.
Other members of the commission are Mr M Munetsi (auditor Mashonaland West province), Mr J Chauke (financial advisor Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development) and Mr T Madya, a senior administrative officer in the same ministry.
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“Following the suspension of councillor Vengesai of Harare City Council, I hereby appoint you as the chairperson of the investigation team, set up in terms of section 311 (2) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15),” reads a letter from Minister Chombo to Mr Ndarukwa dated November 21, 2011.
The investigation team has been tasked to establish the extent of involvement of Councillor Vengesai and officials of council in the alleged improper procurement of stationery.
Minister Chombo also wants the probe team to verify whether the involved persons declared their interest in terms of the Urban Councils Act and to determine any financial prejudice to council on all related transactions.
He further expects the commission of inquiry to ascertain whether council has instituted any disciplinary action on the officials and to report on any matter it considers “crucial in restoring order to the running of council affairs and confidence of ratepayers to the Harare City especially regarding procurement processes.”
“It is my expectation that your investigation will be complete in not more than 10 days, and commence within seven days from date of appointment,” Minister Chombo said.
Harare City Council will meet the costs of the inquiry.
Clr Vengesai reportedly connived with a senior council official and procured stationery for the municipality worth US$44 000 from a company he owns.
Harare mayor Mr Muchadeyi Masunda has launched his own investigations into the matter.
In a report to council recently, Clr Stewart Mutizwa, who was then acting mayor, says he was approached by the chairman of the audit committee Clr Sydney Chirombe raising questions on why Clr
Vengesai was supplying stationery to council.
Clr Vengesai was quoted in the media recently saying his company had been supplying council with stationery since 2010.
He said it was the duty of the responsible council authorities to determine suppliers of materials.
Online Reporter