Binga residents have welcomed the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ZACC) investigation into alleged corruption at Binga Rural District Council (BRDC), following the arrest of a senior council official over a US$256,405 Government-funded fishing rig project.
The commission is pursuing the council’s chief executive officer, Joshua Muzamba, and has arrested his alleged accomplice, executive officer for Social Services Lovemore Siamuyi.
Binga North legislator Chineka Muchimba was also reportedly summoned to appear at ZACC offices in connection with the matter.
Siamuyi was arrested on Tuesday and appeared at Binga Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he was denied bail and remanded in custody. Muzamba is reportedly on the run.
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The developments have been welcomed by residents who have repeatedly raised concerns about alleged corruption, abuse of office and poor accountability at the local authority.
CITE has previously investigated allegations against Muzamba, including claims that council funds were used to build a luxury four-bedroom house with a jacuzzi on the shores of Lake Kariba, reportedly costing about US$200,000.
Read: Grace and favour? Binga RDC builds US$200k lakeside mansion for CEO despite Government ban
Residents who spoke to CITE on condition of anonymity, fearing victimisation, said the arrests had renewed their hope that allegations of corruption at the council would be investigated and those responsible held accountable.
“We are very excited that justice is taking its course. The fact that our plight as the people of Binga has finally been heard means a lot to us,” one resident said.
“ZACC coming to the ground to arrest one of the counterparts and pursuing the bigger fish gives us hope that eventually we may get the relief we have always sought.
“He was showing an attitude of being untouchable because of the things they were doing, suffocating people. They must arrest him. We believe they will catch him and bring sanity.”
Another resident accused the council leadership of putting personal interests ahead of workers’ welfare and service delivery.
“Look at the council right now, it is flooded with his relatives and allies. Other workers could not even speak out. What stood out the most was the audacity of buying luxury cars at the expense of paying council workers and enhancing service delivery,” the resident said.
“It is high time we got new brains in the council offices. As the people of Binga, we are really seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.”
The resident called on the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to consider an inquiry into the council’s operations.
“We are also proposing that ZACC recommend a board of inquiry into the Council’s operations and a job audit to be conducted by Local Government to streamline job postings in the council. This will help align the number of workers with the number required for the council to run effectively,” the resident said.
However, residents said the investigation had also exposed tensions in the community, with some people allegedly facing intimidation for speaking out against the council leadership.
“The majority of people in Binga are in a celebratory mood. A lot of people are happy with this development. Only a few who are tied to his shenanigans are giving people grief,” another resident said.
“They are threatening some people who are speaking out and even insulting them in WhatsApp groups. Even politically, there is some tension because some people from the same political party were not aligned with his conduct. So, while people are celebrating, there is also some bit of tension.”
Another resident described the arrests as a significant development for the Tonga community, saying people had endured alleged abuse and mismanagement for years.
“These people have been ill-treating us and stealing. People have been crying, and we did not know God would answer in this way. We are still shocked and cannot believe this is happening. These people have tormented us for so long. It is high time they face the wheels of justice,” the resident said.
Binga South legislator Fanuel Cumanzala said the alleged fishing rig scandal could be part of wider problems at the local authority and called for a comprehensive investigation into its financial and administrative affairs.
“I have consistently raised concerns about corruption, nepotism, poor financial management and governance failures at Binga RDC. I am encouraged that Government and law-enforcement agencies are finally taking action.
“However, I strongly believe that this is only the beginning. There are several other issues surrounding the management of council resources that deserve thorough and independent investigation,” Cumanzala said.
He said the alleged misuse of public resources by officials responsible for implementing Government programmes was undermining development efforts and damaging public confidence.
“Government has good intentions for Binga and its people. Unfortunately, when individuals entrusted with implementing these programmes allegedly abuse public resources, they make Government look bad in the eyes of ordinary citizens.
“People end up blaming Government for failures arising from the actions of individuals who put personal interests ahead of public service.”
Cumanzala also questioned council spending priorities, particularly reports of an executive residence costing close to US$200,000 while communities continued to face challenges with schools, roads, healthcare, water and other basic services.
“Binga’s resources must benefit its people. We cannot have communities struggling with basic services while questions continue to arise about extravagant expenditure and the management of public funds,” he said.
He said he had raised concerns about the council as far back as August 2024, including allegations of nepotism, corruption and financial mismanagement, as well as unpaid employees, councillors’ allowances and the management of CAMPFIRE resources.
Cumanzala called on ZACC, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works and other oversight institutions to extend their investigations to procurement, revenue collection, expenditure, employment practices, CAMPFIRE funds and council assets.
“Let me make this very clear: fighting corruption is not fighting Government. It is supporting Government.
“We must distinguish between Government’s good intentions and the actions of individuals who may abuse positions of responsibility.
“Arrests alone are not enough. We need comprehensive investigations, accountability, recovery of any misappropriated resources and corrective action to ensure that council resources serve the people of Binga,” Cumanzala said.
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