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Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Court Reporter
A ZVISHAVANE resident has approached the High Court seeking an order directing Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere to act on alleged corruption by senior council officials in the town.
Mr Hazvinei Guvamombe through his lawyers, Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, accused Zvishavane Town Council bosses of engaging in corrupt activities by embezzling council funds at the expense of service delivery.
In papers filed at the Bulawayo High Court, Minister Kasukuwere and the chairperson of Zvishavane Town Council Mr Gwatipedza Dube were cited as respondents.
Mr Guvamombe in his founding affidavit wants the Minister to order a forensic audit following corruption allegations raised in a recent audit report.
He said the respondents must also take reasonable measures in terms of the law to protect public funds and expose corruption by council bosses.
“I have been captivated to make this application following allegations of rampant corruption and abuse of public funds with impunity by Zvishavane Town Council. I am a resident and ratepayer in the town. It is incumbent upon the respondents to rein in on all forms of corruption and abuse of public funds and foster good governance,” he said.
An external audit carried out in 2012 exposed corruption involving top council officials. According to the report, the former acting town secretary George Jongoni and other senior council officials amassed stands, abused funds and ran illicit deals under the cover of council business.
“Despite the existence of such glaring evidence of corruption, the respondents who are responsible for fostering good governance folded their hands and no remedial action was taken. All officials fingered in that report are still in the employment of public institutions,” said Mr Guvamombe.
Mr Jongoni is also accused of sourcing obsolete equipment on behalf of council at inflated prices without following tender procedures.
“It is also on record and to my knowledge as well that there was another external audit conducted at Zvishavane Town Council known as the Mabhena Commission whose results were not made public. However, indications are that the audit revealed serious violations of section 9 of the constitution relating to good governance and there are indications pointing to malfeasance in the council minutes pertaining to such audit,” said Mr Guvamombe.
He said the director of finance failed to remit funds deducted towards pensions, medical aid and funeral schemes for council employees. “I made frantic efforts to access the information from management as mandated in terms of section 62 of the constitution but it was never availed to me. I believe it is my right to access the audit report for all purposes,” said Mr Guvamombe.
“It is the duty of the respondents to ensure that good governance is promoted by taking any lawful measure to implement resolutions that are aimed at promoting and fostering good governance.”
Mr Guvamombe said the Minister failed to ensure that such malpractices were eradicated and investigations carried out to protect public funds.
He wants an order directing the respondents to make public the findings of the Mabhena Commission of enquiry within 14 days of the order.
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