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Yeukai Karengezeka Herald Correspondent
ZANU PF Chitungwiza Ward 13 Councillor Kiven Mutimbanyoka says he remains the legitimate acting mayor for the town, saying the election of a new mayor during the 474th ordinary full council meeting last Friday was illegal.
The full council meeting, which Clr Mutimbanyoka walked out of, elected former mayor Clr Lovemore Maiko of CCC to become substantive mayor.
But Clr Mutimbanyoka told The Herald yesterday that Clr Maiko’s appointment was illegal as he had adjourned the meeting and he, and acting town clerk, Mrs Evangelista Machona, walked out.
Those that remained took advantage of that to conduct a poll, which then ushered in Clr Maiko as the new mayor while Mrs Machona was also replaced by Health and Environmental Services director, Dr Tonderai Kasu.
Councillors claimed Mrs Machona had fired herself for siding with Clr Mutimbanyoka.
Said Clr Mutimbanyoka: “As far as l know, appointing Maiko as the mayor is illegal, that is why I walked out of that meeting.
“The fact is that this matter is before courts and the verdict has not been passed yet, so how can they undermine the law.”
Clr Mutimbanyoka said legally, he remains the acting Chitungwiza Mayor pending the court case.
“My appointment by Minister (of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo) was legal and guided by the Urban Councils Act.
“Council had failed to hold an election to elect another mayor within 30 days after Maiko was recalled.
“The CCC councillors have been blocking me from chairing council meetings and it was affecting council business,” said Clr Mutimbanyoka.
He urged councillors to respect the law and his appointment to ensure progress in the town.
Clr Maiko who was the substantive mayor for Chitungwiza but was recalled by the MDC Alliance led by Senator Douglas Mwonzora in March this year.
Chitungwiza Municipality never held a full council meeting for the past six months.
During last Friday’s full council meeting, the issue of electing a substantive mayor was raised by Clr Richard Chamutsa, who was seconded by former deputy mayor, Musa Makweza.
Online Reporter