Gweru probe targets Mkoba MP

Politics
MKOBA MP Amos Chibaya’s name has cropped up in the ongoing government investigations into operations of Gweru City Council after he was accused of forcing some of the local authority’s workers to withdraw assault charges against a councillor.
Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya
Mkoba MP Amos Chibaya

MKOBA MP Amos Chibaya’s name has cropped up in the ongoing government investigations into operations of Gweru City Council after he was accused of forcing some of the local authority’s workers to withdraw assault charges against a councillor.

By Stephen Chadenga

Chibaya allegedly forced council employees to withdraw assault charges levelled against ward 13 councillor Catherine Mhondiwa.

“Councillor Mhondiwa arranged for the beating of employees and then with the help of MP Chibaya forced the complainants to withdraw the charges,” reads part of a report on the 32 cases tabled by Local Government ministry permanent secretary George Mlilo.

However, the names of the workers that were allegedly beaten by the councilor and other details about the case were not mentioned.

In his letter, Mlilo said evidence of criminal activities should be safeguarded to ensure prosecution of those involved.

“Please ensure that any evidence of criminal activities is carefully secured and details captured to facilitate prosecution,” he said.

Some of the allegations have drawn the ire of MDC-T councillors who feel they have political implications and are targeted at people along party lines.

Mhondiwa is also accused of having worked with another MDC-T councillor, Charles Chikozho (wad 10) to lobby residents to snub the Revenue Enhancement Team comprised of council workers.

“The councillor for ward 13, Councillor Mhondiwa and Councillor Chikozho are telling residents not to work with the Revenue Enhancement Team claiming they (revenue team) are Zanu PF youths,” the report added.

Former Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo appointed a team to investigate Gweru Council last month.

Chombo also suspended some councilors for allegedly abusing their offices.