Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Check Point Desk
PANDEMONIUM erupted behind closed doors at the Bulawayo City Council chambers yesterday as tempers flared over a controversial trip to South Africa, with councillors and the town clerk almost coming to blows!
The fiery showdown followed a regular full council meeting when councillors clashed over the now-postponed Johannesburg “water utility fact-finding mission” initially pencilled for last Friday. The lavish trip, which drew public ire after being exposed by Zimpapers, involved a 29-member delegation, 10 of them councillors.
Sources say the real drama unfolded after the media left and the real business began.
“All hell broke loose,” a source revealed, “when Ward 24 Cllr Tawengwa Zidya grilled town clerk Christopher Dube over how Ward 15’s Cllr Ashton Mhlanga was picked to replace Finance Committee chairperson Cllr Mpumelelo Moyo, who’s out of the picture due to a pending bribery case.”
Voices were raised, accusations flew, and fists almost followed. Ward Three’s Cllr Mxolisi Mahlangu reportedly shed his jacket, removed his watch, and rolled up his sleeves, ready to throw down, egged on by fellow councillors.
“Council chambers were a whisker away from turning into a boxing ring,” the insider added. “Zidya stayed cool, but made it clear he was ready to ‘settle things outside’ if need be.”
Ward 17’s Cllr Sikhululekile Moyo also took aim at the town clerk, accusing him of fuelling divisions by hand-picking who goes to South Africa. Dube, reportedly not taking the accusations lightly, allegedly fired back with some sharp words of his own.
Mayor David Coltart, who witnessed the chaos, played it safe when reached for comment: “I would rather not comment.”
The trip is now reportedly rescheduled for next month or July—but not before leaving behind bruised egos, suspicion, and the unmistakable scent of scandal.
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