Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
BULAWAYO Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkodi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 Councillor Rodney Jele allegedly demanded US$52 000 from a local businessman to prevent the cancellation of a 50-year lease agreement for a hotel development, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has said.
According to ZACC, the alleged extortion relates to a lease agreement entered into in March 2023.
Investigations revealed that sometime in August 2026, the three allegedly demanded the money from the businessman in exchange for not cancelling the lease.
The accused persons allegedly told the complainant that an unnamed businessman was offering them US$52 000 to have the lease cancelled.
They allegedly advised the complainant that he should match the US$52 000 offer if he wanted to retain the lease.
The complainant subsequently reported the matter to ZACC, which set a trap that led to the arrest of the three.
ZACC spokesperson Ms Simiso Mlevu confirmed the arrests.
The three are expected to appear at the Tredgold Magistrates Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.
The matter is still before the courts.
