By Lovemore Chazingwa
A recent loss by Kadoma City Council at the High Court in a $50 000 case filed by a resident has driven a wedge between management and Councillors.
The acrimony is reportedly the reason why Kadoma failed to hold its December Ordinary Council Meeting.
Many of the Council management officials were conspicuously absent on the meeting day.
A source within council told Open Council that there is mounting pressure on management to explain a payment procedure for the US$50 000 awarded to one, Mr Jack.
The US$50K Case
The resident’s business property was demolished in a Council operation.
However, Jack approached the Magistrates Court where he won his case against City of Kadoma.
He was awarded $50 000 as damages for the demolished property.
Having paid only $10 000, Council missed deadlines for payment of the rest of the money and some of its property was nearly attached by the Sheriff.
Jack wanted to attach two top of the range vehicles recently acquired by the city.
When the issue came to the attention of Councillors it resulted in controversial debates as they argued that management should have contested the Court verdict.
The issue was expected to be the main agenda during the postponed Ordinary Council meeting.
Postponed Full Council Meeting
According to a Council notice the meeting has been postponed to January 6, 2026.
However, Mayor Nigel Ruzario has denied knowledge of any rift between Councillors and management.
“The postponement was due to budget submissions and other council commitments.
“The issue to do with Mr Jack was well addressed at the special meeting we convened.
“Hence it had no effect on the holding or otherwise of the December full council meeting,” said Ruzario.
Kadoma Chamber Secretary, Willard Mangwengwende also dismissed the allegation.
“The Full Council Meeting was postponed due to the budget engagement process in Norton.
“It will be held on Tuesday 6 January 2025. That’s all I can say.
Efforts to contact Mr Jack could not bear fruit as his phone went unanswered.
