Victoria Falls residents demand comprehensive investigation into Council administration

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A heated meeting was held at Chinotimba Hall on Sunday, where residents of Victoria Falls expressed mixed feelings over the suspension of Town Clerk Ronnie Dube amid corruption allegations.

The meeting, which started with a prayer, was convened by the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association. Kelvin Moyo, the association’s representative, presented feedback to residents on their initial request to the mayor to suspend Dube over allegations of corruption, particularly those related to land deals and contracts.

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He was at the podium with his co-chair of the Hwange Residents Association, Herbert Ncube, who equally supported Moyo, saying Dube has to go.

While some residents supported the suspension, others felt that Dube should not be prosecuted alone.

They argued that if Dube was involved in corrupt activities, he could not have done so without the knowledge and involvement of other council officials.

“We cannot just suspend Dube alone,” said a resident of Victoria Falls. “If he was committing those crimes, was he doing them alone?

Kanti impukane ezinhlanu zingawela echangweni, ukhipha eyodwa besunatha? We want the whole council management, the mayor, and councilors to be thoroughly investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.”

Another resident, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s not just about Dube; it’s about the entire system that has allowed corruption to thrive. We need a comprehensive investigation that leaves no stone unturned.”

However, not everyone agreed that the entire council should be investigated, a local business owner, felt that Dube should be held accountable for his actions.

“While I agree that corruption is a systemic problem, we cannot ignore the fact that Dube has been at the center of these allegations. Inhlanzi iqala ukubola ekhanda… He should be investigated and prosecuted if found guilty.”

Despite the differing opinions, residents unanimously agreed that Dube’s suspension was necessary to pave the way for investigations.

They also vowed to stage a peaceful demonstration to ensure that Dube does not report to work until the investigations are completed.

The controversy surrounding Dube’s suspension is the latest in a series of allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the Victoria Falls City Council.

In 2021, Dube was suspended over similar allegations but was later reinstated.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe had intervened to nullify the council’s decision to suspend Dube, citing Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act.

However, Moyo argued that this section does not apply in this case, as the minister is not protecting the interests of the residents.

As the meeting came to a close, residents resolved to take a stand against corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The peaceful demonstration is expected to take place soon, if cleared by the police,

with residents vowing to block Dube’s return to office until the investigations are completed.