Bulawayo City officials in $20,000 bribery scandal

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A storm has erupted in the city council as two top officials face corruption allegations. Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Finance and Development Committee Chairperson Mpumelelo Moyo were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission

The duo is accused of demanding a hefty US$20,000 bribe from Chinese investors, Labenmon Investments, in exchange for facilitating the approval of a 5.6-hectare land parcel for a cement mixing plant.

According to ZACC, the company had initially applied for a larger 10-hectare plot but was turned down by the city council. However, after resubmitting a revised application, they were offered the smaller parcel. It was at this point that Ndlovu and Moyo allegedly approached the investors with their demands.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the city, raising serious questions about the integrity of local government officials.

The accused are expected to appear in court on November 16