adminChronicle is in possession of the suspension letter written to Clr Mudondo by the minister, dated 22 May 2012. Clr Mudondo is the second official at Gokwe Town House to be suspended after town secretary, Mr Tapiwa Marongwe, was suspended two months ago over the same allegations.
Mr Marongwe’s case is before the courts where he is facing charges of corruption and abuse of office.
Minister Chombo appointed a committee to investigate Gokwe Town Council following allegations of corruption and abuse of office by Clr Mudondo and Mr Marongwe.
“Pursuant to my deployment of an investigation team to look into allegations of corruption and mis-management at Gokwe Town Council, I hereby in terms of section 114 (1) (d) (1) (11) of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15, suspend you from the office of councillor for Ward Four with immediate effect,” reads part of the suspension letter.
Minister Chombo said Clr Mudondo has been deliberately flouting tender procedures while corruptly awarding tenders to his friends.
“The findings of the investigation team indicated that you have demonstrated apparent neglect of duty as head of council when council on numerous occasions flouted tender procedures through awarding contracts to companies — yours included — without adhering to the competitive binding principles as outlined in your procurement regulations,” noted Minister Chombo in the letter.
Minister Chombo said Clr Mudondo was supposed to question the suspended town secretary, Mr Marongwe’s direct flouting of procurement procedures when buying his council vehicle and other council material.
He further noted that Clr Mudondo failed to “timeously rein in Mr Marongwe despite glaring cases of abuse of office, notably the vehicles supply, street lighting and sewer reticulation materials supply tenders”.
The minister advised Clr Mudondo not to interfere in any council businesses while serving his suspension.
“During the said suspension, you shall not conduct any council business for and on behalf of the council within or outside council premises. You shall not be eligible to receive any form of remuneration,” he said.
Clr Mudondo declined to comment on his suspension when he was contacted yesterday.
Meanwhile, Gokwe residents said they welcomed the suspension of Clr Mudondo which they said was long overdue.
In an interview, Gokwe Residents Association chairman Mr Trynos Tazviwana commended Minister Chombo for moving in to protect ratepayers’ money at Gokwe Town House.
“We have been complaining over the rampant abuse of ratepayers’ money and the rot at Gokwe Town Council.
“We want to thank the minister for finally coming to our rescue. We hope those who would have been found guilty of abusing our hard-earned money will be charged accordingly,” he said.
Online Reporter