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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has expressed concern over reports in some sections of the media purporting its interference in the operations of Mudzi Rural District Council.
This follows the suspension of the council’s chairperson, Councillor Arnold Katsande.
In a statement, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works advised the nation that the suspension of Councillor Katsande was not done arbitrarily but followed due processes in line with Section 157 of the Rural District Councils Act, as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act (2016).
The ministry said the councillor’s suspension came after the submission of the investigation committee’s report that unearthed serious governance and maladministration practices at the local authority.
“The suspended chairperson displayed contempt of the investigators and wilfully refused to cooperate during investigations,” reads the statement.
“In such instances, the ministry cannot just stand by and watch such truancy. The ministry has to take corrective action to preserve the integrity of the local governance system.
“Investigative inquiries of this nature are meant to assist in addressing deficiencies that would have been uncovered. An independent tribunal is already being set up to determine his case.”
The ministry also called for patience as the process unfolds.
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Bongani Ndlovu