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Yeukai Karengezeka-Herald Correspondent

THE tribunal set up by the central Government to investigate issues that led to the suspension of six Chitungwiza councillors last year has begun proceedings.

The six councillors are former Mayor Lovemore Maiko, former deputy Mayor Musa Makweza ward (19), Kudakwashe Johns (ward 21), Chengetai Nyagondo (ward 14), Richard Chamutsa (ward 5) and Peter Matiringe (ward 10).

According to a source close to proceedings, the hearings began on Wednesday and are expected to end on February 22.

“The tribunal had its first sitting on Monday and first to appear was Cllr Nyagondo. 

“The remaining five councillors are expected to appear on February 6, 8, 15, 20 and 22.” The tribunal is being chaired by Advocate Rachael Chibaya, Public Service Commissioner Ozious Hove (member), Local Government’s principal administrative officer Mr Leonard Gopoza, Mrs Hamandishe Chinyengetere and corporate lawyer Mrs Hilda Ndawana (all secretariat).

The councillors were suspended for allegedly convening an illegal meeting in October last year in which Maiko was illegally re-elected Mayor despite a pending court case.

 Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said there were reasonable grounds to suspect that the councillors committed acts of gross misconduct, incompetence and wilful violation of the law.

Meanwhile, the six are appearing at the Chitungwiza Magistrates Court on the same charges. The State is still compiling evidence and they were yesterday remanded to February 27.