Former Bulawayo Ward 1 councillor Josiah Mutangi has been removed from office after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct, creating a vacancy that will be filled through a by-election.
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, announced the decision in a letter dated 14 July 2026, saying Mutangi’s removal took effect following the tribunal’s determination.
“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a determination from the independent tribunal which was held on 8-9 July 2026. Councillor Josiah Mutangi was found guilty of misconduct, and by operation of the law, he is hereby removed from office,” Garwe wrote.
The minister said that, in terms of Section 278(1) of the Constitution, read together with Section 129(1)(b), the Ward 1 council seat had become vacant.
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Mutangi’s removal follows his conviction in December 2025 on 13 counts of fraud.
A Bulawayo magistrate found him and his co-accused, Janet Zhou, guilty of defrauding 13 vendors after falsely promising them vending bays in the city centre in exchange for money.
The court ordered both Mutangi and Zhou to perform community service. Mutangi was also ordered to pay restitution of US$200 to each of the 13 victims.
Under Section 278 of the Constitution, elected councillors can only be removed from office after an independent tribunal has investigated allegations of misconduct, incompetence or incapacity and recommended their dismissal.
The provision was introduced to strengthen accountability in local government while protecting elected officials from arbitrary removal through an independent legal process.
The vacancy means the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is expected to begin the legal process for a by-election. Under the Electoral Act, the President will proclaim the date of the poll after the necessary procedures have been completed.
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