Moyo orders suspension of Rusape town secretary
FARAI MATEBVU
CHIPINGE TIMES REPORTER
RUSAPE – The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo, has instructed Rusape Town Council to suspend or send acting Town Secretary Engineer Charles Chindenga on forced leave following an alleged tender procedure violation reported at the local authority late last year.
The instruction is contained in a letter that the Minister wrote to council chairman Blessing Pambureni which is in the hands of Chipinge Times.
He also directed the local authority to quickly institute an independent committee to handle the matter within the confines of Labour laws.
Pambureni confirmed the matter to Chipinge Times and said they are convening a special full council meeting to decide whether to send Chindenga on forced leave or institute an independent Committee to handle the matter.
Chindenga is jointly accused together with eight MDC councillors of abusing public office and violating tender procedures and is facing criminal abuse of office charges.
The councilors were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) last year and are out on bail.
“It has come to my attention that Engineer Chindenga was ordered to stay away from council offices and his case has not been resolved to date, with council being itself conflicted with the same charges before the courts.
“Please kindly deal with such a matter as it may have serious labour implications that may end up affecting council business” reads part of the letter.
” Accordingly, I hereby direct the council in terms of 313 Urban Council Act: Chapter 29: 15 to send Engineer Chindenga on forced leave until his matter is cleared by the courts or suspend him and immediately institute an independent Committee to handle the matter within the confines of Labour Act,” said Moyo in the letter.
Engineer Chindenga is currently not reporting for duty after a Rusape magistrate barred him from accessing council offices and not to interfere with witnesses until his case is finalised. https://chipingetimes.co.zw
