Chronicle Editor
Nomvelo Siziba, Chronicle Reporter
THE Hwange Local Board has suspended its accountant for abuse of council funds.
This brings to three local authority senior officers that have been suspended over the last two months.
Last month the local board which is preparing to become a town, suspended administrator Mr Mhlupheki Mlilo for awarding tenders without board approval and finance director Mr Innocent Tshuma for abusing funds. Chronicle was told that Mr Max Kwidini was suspended last week for allegedly transferring council funds into his personal account. While internal investigations are said to be underway, it is alleged Mr Kwidini stole about $15 000 from the Local Board.
Mr Kwidini allegedly used a blank cheque that had already been signed by the council and authorised transferred of money to his personal account. The Local Board chairperson Councillor Nqobile Mabhena confirmed the suspension of Mr Kwidini although he could not shed more light.
“It’s true that he has been suspended but I cannot give details for now. As for Mr Tshuma he has been demoted while the administrator is still on suspension. Tshuma is contesting his demotion and it’s a case that is in the Labour Court,” said Cllr Mabhena. Contacted for comment Mr Kwidini denied that he was suspended.
“I am not suspended and that’s all I can say to you,” he said.
Mr Tshuma has been reassigned to a lesser position for failing have council books audited since 2014 while Mr Mlilo is stillon suspension for causing the council to buy meat from Mr Tshuma’s butchery fully knowing the latter was already on suspension. – @nomvelosiziba.
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