Former Victoria Falls ward 10 councillor Nkanyiso Sibindi has accused the city’s mayor and town clerk of using the criminal justice system to settle political scores following his acquittal on malicious damage to property charges.
Sibindi, who was recently cleared over an alleged damaged council laptop valued at US$975, said his arrest was politically motivated and linked to internal power struggles within the City of Victoria Falls.
The case arose from chaotic scenes during a council meeting on June 4, 2026 when Sibindi’s recall along with that of two other councillors was announced.
He denied the allegations throughout and was ultimately acquitted.
“When I was charged, my feeling was that this issue was politically motivated. However, not the politics of Zanu-PF, but the politics of the city of Victoria Falls,” Sibindi said.
He alleged that town clerk Ronnie Dube and mayor Prince Thuso Moyo were behind efforts to remove him from the political scene.
Sibindi said his acquittal restored his faith in the judiciary.
“I did not have trust in the judiciary system,” he said. “However, after I was acquitted, that is when I saw that I have to trust the judiciary system, especially in Victoria Falls.”
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He linked his arrest to a broader dispute that began after councillors initiated a motion of no confidence against Moyo, who then allegedly travelled to Harare to pursue recall letters.
Sibindi also accused Moyo of overstepping his role by acting as a manager rather than a councillor.
Moyo denied the allegations, insisting the three former councillors remained his friends personally.
“The trio of councillors are my friends at personal level and specifically Nkanyiso Sibindi,” he said.
“We came from a long way. We were elected together in 2018 as youth councillors. I am not fighting them in any way.”
However, Moyo said Sibindi’s conduct within party structures contributed to his recall, adding that such recalls happened nationwide.
The dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of significant political changes in Victoria Falls.
Sibindi’s recall triggered a by-election on August 1, 2026, which saw Zanu-PF candidates sweep all three contested municipal wards.
In Ward 9, Tapiwa Kwendu Sibanda won with 287 votes. In Ward 10, Thindolie Sibanda secured 291 votes, while Sibindi – contesting as an independent – managed 174 votes.
In Ward 11, George Mhlanga won with 736 votes.
Progressive Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association chairperson Misheck Munsaka questioned the recalls, warning they could be part of a strategy to take control of the resort city.
“I am one person who did not support the recalls, especially with the lack of reasons for the recalls,” Munsaka said.
“It’s a pity when we see the abuse of powers by those in authority. I feel there’s something big brewing behind the scenes.”
Munsaka attributed Sibindi’s by-election loss to poor voter mobilisation rather than a rejection by residents, while praising Zanu-PF supporters for their resilience and discipline.
The controversy has raised questions about transparency and accountability in one of Zimbabwe’s most important tourism destinations, with residents’ groups demanding greater consultation when elected representatives are removed from office.
