Lower Gweru headmen accused of misappropriating public funds

.......Councillors demand criminal investigation

By Dumisani Ndlovu

GWERU – Tensions are mounting in Lower Gweru as two traditional leaders, Headman Lugwalo of Ward 8 in the Lower Gweru Mission area and Village Head Machaya of Ward 4, face serious allegations of financial impropriety involving public funds collected on behalf of the local council. The accusations, which emerged during a recent full council meeting, have sparked widespread discontent among villagers, many of whom are now withholding their annual levies in protest and demanding accountability.
The headmen, who serve as key administrative figures in their respective wards, are alleged to have diverted funds collected from villagers—monies intended for the council’s coffers—to personal use. This alleged misappropriation has resulted in a significant revenue shortfall, undermining the council’s ability to deliver essential services and execute development projects. The matter has drawn sharp criticism from councillors, who are calling for immediate legal action.
Ward 15 Councillor Sindani Mpofu was particularly outspoken during the heated council session, describing the alleged conduct as a betrayal of public trust and a criminal offense. “This is a blatant act of theft. We cannot allow those entrusted with leadership to exploit their positions for personal gain,” Mpofu said. He urged the council to refer the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for investigation and prosecution, emphasizing that the alleged actions had impoverished both the council and the communities it serves.
Mpofu cited a specific incident from 2024 in which Headman Machaya allegedly collected US$358 in Ward 4 but failed to remit the funds to the council. Despite the issue being reported to both the council offices and the District Development Coordinator’s office, no arrests have been made, raising concerns about the enforcement of accountability mechanisms.
Councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda of Ward 7 pointed out that these were not isolated cases. He highlighted that his local headman, Bennet, had done the same in Ward 7 but had since repaid the US$400 he had used.
Councillor Mpofu interjected, demanding that legal action be taken against the headman despite him having returned the money.
Ward 4 Councillor Thomas Machaya echoed Mpofu’s sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of progress. He argued that continued council meetings on the matter were futile and insisted that the issue be escalated to law enforcement authorities. “This should be a police matter and taken to court as previously resolved. The delay in taking action is unacceptable,” he said.
The alleged financial misconduct has had a ripple effect on community trust and participation. Villagers, feeling deceived and disillusioned, have largely ceased paying their annual fees, arguing that their contributions are not reaching their intended destination. This payment boycott threatens to paralyze local governance and stall critical development initiatives, including road maintenance, borehole drilling, and sanitation programs.
Councillor Bhekimpilo Sibanda expressed grave concern over the budgetary implications of the alleged non-remittance, noting that the council relies heavily on these local collections to fund its operations and development agenda. He warned that the current impasse could indefinitely delay planned projects, further disadvantaging the community.
Council Chief Executive Officer Alex Magura stated that the council can only act upon a formal resolution from the councillors. Meanwhile, Council Chairperson Ndlovu called for internal consultations with the District Development Coordinator’s office, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations. However, many councillors remain adamant that an internal process alone is insufficient and are demanding a transparent and independent investigation.
An anonymous councillor underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that the alleged actions of the headmen have created a substantial deficit in the council’s budget and directly undermined its ability to fulfill its mandate. The councillor emphasized that the integrity of traditional leadership and local governance must be preserved through decisive and lawful action.
In Zimbabwe, headmen play a pivotal role in rural administration, serving as intermediaries between communities and local government. They are entrusted with responsibilities such as dispute resolution, community welfare, and the collection of levies. The alleged breach of this trust not only destabilizes council finances but also threatens the credibility of traditional leadership structures.
The council has resolved to initiate an internal audit of the financial records submitted by the implicated headmen to determine the extent of the shortfalls and identify those responsible. Nonetheless, many councillors argue that the matter constitutes criminal conduct and must be addressed through formal legal channels to ensure impartiality and restore public confidence.
As Lower Gweru awaits the outcomes of both the internal audit and potential police investigations, the local authority faces the urgent task of recovering the alleged missing funds and rebuilding trust with its constituents. Ensuring transparency, enforcing accountability, and safeguarding future collections will be essential to restoring the integrity of local governance and advancing sustainable development in the region.

Part of the full council meeting