Bulawayo Councillor Suspended Over 14 Fraud Allegations

On July 6, 2026, Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe suspended Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi of Bulawayo on allegations of gross misconduct, including 14 counts of fraud. The suspension, effective immediately, was issued under Section 114(1) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], as read with the Local Government Laws Amendment Act of 2016.

Mutangi is accused of soliciting and accepting money from vendors in exchange for promises to allocate vending bays, actions that contravene council policy and law. The minister's letter highlighted a pattern of fraudulent behavior, exploitation of his position for personal gain, and failure to adhere to established procedures for vendor allocation, resulting in reputational damage to the council.

Mutangi has been given seven days to respond to the allegations. Failure to do so will result in the matter being referred to an independent tribunal as per Section 114 of the Urban Councils Act. During the suspension, Mutangi is barred from conducting any council business and will not receive any form of remuneration.