Local Government Minister Savior Kasukuwere has fired Gweru Mayor, Hamutendi Kombayi, alongside one other councilor, Kenneth Sithole after an independent tribunal recommended that they be relieved of their duties.
The two were among the 12 councilors who were at loggerheads with the Kasukuwere since 2015 when they were suspended on allegations of misconduct and abuse of office.
The councilors appeared before a Tribunal set up by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing earlier this month.
Announcing the sacking of Kombayi at Gweru Town House on Thursday, Kasukuwere said the city should not be about individuals but be run in line with the Urban Councils’ Act.
“The Tribunal decided that councilor Kombayi and councilor Sithole be discharged and that the remaining councilors, although guilty, would be reinstated.
“I hope and trust that those councilors who have been given a lease of life would do what is expected to get the city to work.
“The city belongs to the people, it doesn’t belong to individuals. We want to see the administration of the city being done correctly; no to corruption and no to abuse of the authority that is invested in you,” he said.
Kombayi however said he is not happy with the outcome of the tribunal expressing his intention to appeal as he feels he did not commit any crime, which Kasukuwere said he is free to do so.
Kasukuwere warned the returning councilors that they should abstain from giving in to outside influence.
Of the 12 councilors, only three were acquitted with seven having been reinstated despite being found guilty, while Kombayi and councilor Sithole who was on his final warning were given the boot.
Acquitted were councilors Tiripai Chipondeni, Joas Tsanyau and Charles Simbi.
Reinstated are Nokuthula Mbano ward 3, Catherine Mhondiwa ward 13, Gibson Fundira ward 9, Charles Chikozho ward 10, Bonface Magara ward 18, Tawanda Magidi ward 16, Willard Ndaguta ward 8, Farai Jonathan Muza ward 17, and Enerst Gudhuza ward 14.
Present was the Local Governance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Mlilo, Erica Johns who is the Director in the Minister of State and Provincial Affairs, Cleto Diwa, Caretaker Commission Chair Tsungai Mhangami, Town Clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza, council heads of departments and others senior council officials.
