Acting Local Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has reinstated Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, previously under suspension by the sitting minister Saviour Kasukuwere.
The move comes after bitter protests came from the Harare residents community who demanded what they termed “justice” for the man who in March this year was removed from office.
This latest reversal of government policy by the ZANU PF government without explanation, was done to avoid an independent tribunal, as required by law, to probe allegations against the opposition MDC-T mayor.
The move comes at a time when Manyenyeni was challenging his removal from office in the courts but was soon told that the minister was empowered to suspended him.
Afterwards the High Court ruled that the minister must establish a tribunal to probe allegations against Manyenyeni within 45 days, failing which the mayor would return to Town House. But Moyo has since rushed to act against Kasukuwere’s decision.
“I write further to Honourable Kasukuwere’s minutes dated 20 April, 2016 which suspended you as councillor for Ward 17 and from the office of Mayor of the City of Harare,” Moyo wrote in a letter seen by State media.
He continued, “please note that this serves to reinstate you as Mayor of the City of Harare and councillor for Ward 17 with effect from 7 June, 2016,”
Manyenyeni said Moyo did not explain the government’s decision.
“I can confirm that I received a letter from the Acting Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Professor Jonathan Moyo informing me that the ministry had lifted my suspension,” he told The Herald.
“There is a lot that needs to be done. I am happy to be leading council again. The confusion of the last 45 days is regrettable.”
Kasukuwere ordered Manyenyeni out of Town House, accusing the mayor of violating Sections of the Urban Councils Act.