Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, is constituting an independent tribunal to probe the suspension of five councillors from the Tsholotsho Rural District Council over a range of alleged offences, including abuse of office and fraud.
The councillors were suspended earlier this month following recommendations by a three-member investigative committee appointed by Minister Garwe.
Those suspended are Clr Witness Khumalo (Ward 1) of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Clr Felix Tshuma (Ward 21, CCC), Clr Jabulani Sigadula (Ward 7, CCC), Clr Jabulani Ndlovu (Ward 10, Zanu-PF) and Clr Busani Mvundla (Ward 6, CCC).
“The Ministry is in the process of constituting the tribunal and this week, the process would have been finished pending the start of its work,” said Local Government and Public Works Ministry advocacy and communications director, Mr Gabriel Masvora.
The tribunal is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether the suspensions were justified, in a case that has put the spotlight on governance and accountability issues within the Matabeleland North local authority.
It is being appointed in terms of the Rural District Councils Act, Section 157A, which states that an independent tribunal referred to in Section 278(2) of the Constitution shall be constituted whenever the issue of the removal of a chairperson or councillor on any of the grounds specified in Section 157(1) needs to be referred to it.
derick.khumalo