Gokwe council boss faces probe

Gokwe Town Council’s chief administration officer, Mr Alexander Nyandoro has been sent on forced leave pending investigations into allegations that he failed to follow due processes when he bought two council vehicles.

Mr Nyandoro, who had been acting town secretary since 2021, offered to step down from the post in November last year to assume his substantive role as chief administration officer.

Mr Joconia Nyoni, a finance director, who was fired in 2021 for alleged abuse of office before being reinstated in 2023, was appointed acting town secretary to replace Mr Nyandoro.

Allegations against Mr Nyandoro are that he did not follow procedure when he bought the two vehicles and one of the vehicles has already been delivered.

Gokwe Town Council chairperson, Councillor Liscias Mutegwe confirmed that Mr Nyandoro was on forced leave pending investigations.

“The issue revolves around the delivered second-hand vehicle and another vehicle which is yet to be delivered. Council is conducting investigations on the procurement of these vehicles,” he said.

Mr Nyoni, who signed the suspension letter refused to comment saying he was in a meeting and thereafter his phone went unanswered.

Mr Nyandoro is alleged to have received a white vehicle on behalf of council instead of a silver one as recorded in the vehicle’s registration book which again did not have the engine number.

**Gokwe Acting Town Secretary Mr Alexander Nyandoro**

Council is also alleging that Mr Nyandoro received the vehicle alone instead of having another council official to witness the delivery as has been the norm.

Further allegations are that the vehicle was valued at US$22 000 against the Local Government’s sealing of US$7 175.

“Following the deliberations by the council on the vehicles procured last year, the council decided to investigate the circumstances while you are on leave,” read part of the letter.

The letter further stated that should the investigations committee establish a disciplinary case against Mr Nyandoro, he will be suspended.

“Should the investigations committee come up with charges against you, you will be advised of the nature of the charges and disciplinary hearing dates and composition of such disciplinary committee. The investigation can be extended if the committee requires more time to complete its task and you will be advised of the extension accordingly,” read the letter.