Online Reporter
Peter Matika [email protected]
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has officially declared Bulawayo City Council’s Ward 1 seat vacant following the removal of Councillor Josiah Mutangi after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct.
The declaration paves the way for a by-election to elect a new representative for Bulawayo’s central business district ward.
In a letter dated July 14, 2026 and addressed to Bulawayo town clerk Mr Christopher Dube, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Cde Daniel Garwe confirmed that Mr Mutangi had ceased to hold office after the independent tribunal, which sat on July 8 and 9, found him guilty of misconduct.
“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a determination from the independent tribunal which was held on 8-9 July 2026. Councillor Josiah Mutangi was found guilty of misconduct, and by operation of the law, he is hereby removed from office,” reads part of Minister Garwe’s letter.
He further stated that, in terms of Section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, read together with Section 129(1)(b), the office of councillor for Ward 1 had become vacant.
The declaration formally ends Mutangi’s tenure as Ward 1 councillor.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is now expected to initiate the necessary legal processes before the President proclaims a by-election in terms of the Electoral Act.
Ward 1 covers Bulawayo’s central business district and surrounding areas, making it one of the city’s most strategic wards because it hosts key Government offices, commercial enterprises and financial institutions.
The incoming councillor will be expected to represent both residents and the business community while contributing to council decisions on service delivery, urban planning and infrastructure development.
The vacancy comes at a time when Bulawayo City Council continues to face challenges that include intermittent water supplies, deteriorating roads, ageing infrastructure, waste management and revenue collection challenges.
Mr Mutangi’s removal follows disciplinary proceedings conducted by an independent tribunal, a constitutional mechanism established to promote accountability and transparency in local authorities.
Section 278 of the Constitution provides that elected councillors may only be removed from office following recommendations by an independent tribunal established to investigate allegations of misconduct, incompetence or inability to perform their duties. The provision was introduced under the 2013 Constitution to strengthen local governance and protect elected officials from arbitrary dismissal while ensuring due process and accountability.
Following hearings held over two days, the tribunal found Mutangi guilty of misconduct, resulting in his automatic removal from office by operation of the law.
