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Corrupt Chombo fires MDC mayor on trumped-up corruption charge
Movement for Democratic Change
November 22, 2010

The MDC condemns the dismissal of Bindura mayor, Daniso Wakatama and another councillor, Christopher Mazembe by Ignatius Chombo, the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development after a magistrate's court acquitted the two on similar charges. What the MDC finds shocking is that Chombo decides to uphold a ruling from a kangaroo court presided by a handpicked commission, throwing out a ruling of a competent and legally constituted court.

If there is anyone who must be fired for corruption, it is Chombo himself following the recent publication of massive wealth and property which could only have been corruptly acquired. Chombo's dubious commission found Mayor Wakatama guilty of a truly administrative issue such as collecting revenue from ratepayers and failing to bank it. There is no way a Mayor of a town can move around the town collecting money from ratepayers. This is purely a fabricated charge, which should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.

After years of Zanu PF maladministration, corruption and embezzlement of council resources, Chombo and Zanu PF continue to meddle in the affairs of local authority with limited resources. No amount of firing and setting up of commissions of inquiries for democratically elected councils will cleanse Chombo of his grime. His actions are not only politically motivated, but are a clear evidence of abuse of office to further the interests of the opposition Zanu PF. He should be stopped immediately from manipulating the law for selfish Zanu PF projects that affecting service delivery.

The MDC calls for a spirited campaign against Chombo by all progressive forces. It is an affront to democracy when Chombo, a senior member of a losing party, Zanu PF, continues to abuse a public office. Zimbabweans deserve real change. They want the councillors they elected to deliver quality service and not to be interfered with by a top politician who is facing serious enquiries on how he acquired his vast nauseating wealth.

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