Masvingo City Council Town Clerk Entangled in Corruption Allegations…
Council insiders struggle to pinpoint the issue…
In Masvingo, one of Zimbabwe’s most historic cities, internal conflicts within the City Council are raising questions about the true nature of the disputes. The growing tensions seem to extend beyond mere local disagreements, suggesting a deeper political agenda at play.
Edward Mukaratirwa’s appointment as Masvingo City Council’s Town Clerk has ignited controversy among some senior figures who believe they were more deserving of the role. Mukaratirwa, an accomplished engineer and administrator who succeeded the late Gusha Adolf, has faced significant resistance from entrenched council members. “Mukaratirwa’s appointment was never going to be smooth,” an anonymous council insider commented. “There were always those who felt they deserved the position more.”
By 2024, Mukaratirwa’s growing financial stability, bolstered by his successful engineering consultancy, seemed to exacerbate the situation. “His financial success only fueled envy,” another source revealed. “His peers saw him as a threat, which led to attempts to undermine him.”
Initial attempts to discredit Mukaratirwa included a scheme to poison him, orchestrated by a former driver. This plot was exposed before it could be executed, adding layers of complexity to the conflict. Additionally, a council policy granting vehicles to management after five years was manipulated to create discord. A resolution to purchase a vehicle for Mukaratirwa, delayed by financial issues and fluctuating rates, became a contentious point. “They crafted a dossier of allegations, hoping it would lead to his arrest or removal,” explained a council source familiar with the matter.
Despite these attempts, Mukaratirwa was granted bail due to the charges’ lack of substance. An effort to suspend him was also blocked by the council, which preferred to await the court’s decision. This decision further aggravated the situation. “The council’s support for Mukaratirwa only intensified the backlash,” noted one insider. “The opponents of Mukaratirwa are now looking for excuses to discredit him.”
Investigations suggest that the conflict may be politically motivated. Acting Town Clerk Vitalis Shonhai, reportedly aligned with Vice President Chiwenga, is believed to be central to the faction opposing Mukaratirwa.
Mukaratirwa’s achievements, including awards and recognition for Masvingo City, have apparently displeased Chiwenga’s faction, who view Mukaratirwa as a supporter of President Mnangagwa. “Shonhai’s role is crucial in the faction’s attempts to undermine Mukaratirwa,” claimed a source close to the council. “The success of Mukaratirwa was seen as a threat to Chiwenga’s political ambitions.”
Shonhai’s recruitment and subsequent actions appear to be part of a broader strategy to weaken those associated with the 2030 agenda. This has involved manipulating legal proceedings and fabricating charges against Mukaratirwa. “The whole situation reeks of political maneuvering,” said an anonymous source. “They are trying to build a case against Mukaratirwa with questionable tactics.”
Recent developments include a scandal involving the transfer of funds intended for a local holiday allowance. Allegedly, the finance director and Shonhai conspired to transfer an excessive amount to Mukaratirwa’s account, setting a trap. Mukaratirwa’s swift action to correct the discrepancy led to the leak of this information, with attempts to discredit him. “The trap was set, but Mukaratirwa saw through it,” reported a source familiar with the details.
The ongoing internal strife and political scheming within Masvingo City Council suggest a calculated effort to destabilize Mukaratirwa and shift the balance of power. As the situation continues to evolve, the full scope of the political intrigue and its consequences will become clearer.