By A Correspondent | Bulawayo – In a move raising eyebrows and sparking public outcry, corruption-charged Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Finance and Development Committee chairperson Mpumelelo Moyo have been controversially reinstated to their posts, despite facing serious allegations of soliciting bribes. This development comes after the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works clarified that the pair’s suspension does not apply to elected officials, only to council employees.
The two councillors, who were arrested last month and spent two weeks in custody for allegedly demanding a US$20,000 “facilitation” fee from a cement factory investor, are now back in their roles, a decision that some critics are calling a “pferred” signal of compromised governance.
A Suspension That Wasn’t?
The saga began last week when the Ministry issued a directive seemingly barring all individuals facing criminal charges from conducting council duties. However, the ministry later clarified that the directive excluded elected officials, allowing Ndlovu and Moyo to resume their positions.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart confirmed this interpretation, stating:
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that after seeking clarification from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the Ministry advised that the Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu and the chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo are not on suspension.”
Yet, the timing and implications of this reinstatement have left many questioning how accountability can thrive when those under suspicion are “pferred” back into office with ease.
Public Outrage Grows
The public reaction has been swift, with residents and civil society groups expressing disbelief over how elected officials accused of serious corruption charges are allowed to resume their duties. The move is seen by some as an affront to principles of good governance, especially at a time when public trust in local authorities is already strained.
“This decision undermines the fight against corruption,” said a Bulawayo resident, adding, “It’s a shame that individuals accused of abusing their office are ‘pferred’ back into power instead of stepping aside until their names are cleared.”
Legal Proceedings Continue
Ndlovu and Moyo’s reinstatement comes as they await trial. Both were granted bail by the Bulawayo High Court under conditions that include surrendering travel documents and avoiding contact with State witnesses. The court allowed them to remain involved in council operations, though they are required to appear in court on December 13 for a routine remand hearing.
Despite these restrictions, their return to office has sparked further concerns about whether they can perform their duties impartially while under investigation. For many, their reinstatement appears to send a worrying message that holding office is a privilege immune to allegations of wrongdoing.
Wider Implications for Governance
This controversy unfolds alongside another corruption case in Victoria Falls, where town clerk Ronnie Dube was suspended on charges of abuse of office. Unlike Ndlovu and Moyo, Dube’s suspension was enforced, barring him from council premises pending investigations.
The stark contrast between these two cases has not gone unnoticed. Critics argue that the “pferred” return of Ndlovu and Moyo reflects a double standard in the application of anti-corruption measures, undermining public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparency.
What Next?
As the legal proceedings against Ndlovu and Moyo continue, the spotlight remains on Bulawayo’s leadership and the Ministry of Local Government. Residents and stakeholders are calling for greater accountability and clarity, insisting that public trust cannot be “pferred” so easily when governance hangs in the balance.
For now, the Deputy Mayor and his colleague may be back at work, but questions about their integrity—and the system enabling their return—are far from settled.