June by-elections after 3 Tsholotsho councillors fired

Minister Daniel Garwe

GOVERNMENT has fired three of the five Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) councillors, who were being probed by an independent tribunal over alleged criminal abuse of office and fraud, while the remaining two were acquitted.

The move paves the way for by-elections set for June 20, 2026, in the affected wards, according to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, suspended the councillors in February this year following an investigation by a committee appointed by the ministry.

The accused were: Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7), Busani Vundla (Ward 6), Jonathan Ndlovu (Ward 10) and Felix Tshuma (Ward 21).

The five faced different charges, including criminal abuse of office involving mainly Campfire funds and fraud, among others.

After the suspension, Minister Garwe appointed an independent tribunal to give them a chance to respond to the charges.

Tsholotsho RDC chief executive officer, Mr Nkululeko Sibanda, confirmed receiving communication from the minister about the outcome.

“According to the communication that I received from the ministry, the tribunal cleared Jabulani Sigagula (Ward 7) and Busani Vundla (Ward 6). Those who were discharged are Ward 1 councillor Witness Khumalo, Jabulani Ndlovu from Ward 10 and Felix Tshuma from Ward 21,” he said.

The three fired councillors are reportedly challenging their dismissal at the High Court. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has already proclaimed June 20 as the election date to fill the vacant council seats.