The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has called for investigations into corruption allegations involving four serving Bulawayo City councillors and a former councillor.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) conducted an undercover operation that allegedly implicated the councillors in soliciting a US$52,000 bribe from a local businessman to prevent the cancellation of a lease agreement signed in March 2023.
The matter is before the courts.
The councillors are Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, Ward 3 Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu, Ward 15 Councillor Ashton Mhlanga and former councillor Alderman Rodney Jele.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, BPRA said the allegations had damaged public confidence in the city’s leadership but stressed the need for due process.
“Although the matter is still ongoing in the courts of law, BPRA categorically condemns all forms of corruption,” the residents’ association said.
“The alleged involvement of the city’s highest public offices in bribery, extortion, and malpractice undermines public trust and desecrates the city’s foundational value of Integrity.”
BPRA said the Bulawayo City Council had a responsibility to ensure that its leaders upheld ethical standards and promoted transparency and accountability.
“It is the duty of the City of Bulawayo to provide ethical leaders who champion transparency, accountability, and conduct that builds trust with the residents and business community to ensure the city reclaims its position as a smart city, that is the industrial hub of Zimbabwe,” the organisation said.
The residents’ association called on the council to conduct its own investigations into the allegations and follow the procedures provided for under the Urban Councils Act.
BPRA also called for the strict enforcement of asset declarations for councillors and public officials to help identify unexplained wealth and potential conflicts of interest.
“The full declaration of assets and liabilities must be strictly enforced for all councillors and public officials to expose unexplained wealth and conflicts of interest,” BPRA said.
The organisation also urged the council to strengthen financial disclosure requirements and oversight mechanisms relating to public land, leases and municipal resources.
It called on relevant oversight institutions and political parties to strengthen whistle-blower protection mechanisms and uphold ethical standards within their institutions.
“BPRA stands resolute with the residents of Bulawayo. We remain committed to defending public accountability and ensuring that municipal decisions solely serve the interests of the community,” the organisation said.
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