The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has suspended Bulawayo Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi from office following his recent conviction on fraud charges.
Mutangi was convicted with his co-accused, Janet Zhou, of 13 counts of fraud after swindling local vendors by falsely promising legal vending bays.
In a letter, the Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou informed the Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and councillors, that the Town Clerk Christopher had received a letter from Minister Garwe informing them of Mutangi’s suspension.
“The Town Clerk has received a copy of the letter addressed to Councillor J. Mutangi by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works,” the letter read.
“I have reasonable grounds for suspecting that you, Councillor Josiah Mutangi are guilty of gross misconduct and wilful violation of the law as referenced in Section 114(I)(c)and hereby suspend you, with immediate effect, from the office of Councillor for Ward I.
“The allegations against you are that you committed 14 counts of fraud by soliciting and accepting money from vendors in exchange for promising to allocate vending bays contrary to council policy and law.”
The letter further highlighted that Mutangi demonstrated a recurring pattern of fraudulent behavior, exploited his position of trust for personal gain by issuing false promises and assurances to vendors.
“You committed acts of gross incompetence by failing to adhere to established procedures for vendor allocation of bays resulting in reputational damage,” the letter read.
You failed to declare conflicts of interests and breached the code of conduct. The above allegations amount to gross misconduct and wilful violation of the laws aforementioned.”
Mutangi has been advised to make a response to the allegations within seven days of receipt of the letter.
Failure to do so, the matter will be referred to an Independent Tribunal as per the provisions of the Urban Councils Act.
“During the period of said suspension, you shall not conduct any business for or on behalf of Council, within or outside Council premises, and you shall not be eligible to receive any form of remuneration as read in section 41(7) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15],” the letter read.
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