By Correspondent
Karoi Town Council’s new Town Secretary, Tongai Mandude, has a storied past which has created controversy as he begins his new role.
Formerly substantive Finance Director for Norton Town Council, Madunde was this week announced as the new TS for Karoi.
However, his past has followed after him.
Madunde is accused of having overseen the abuse of Norton’s finances.
According to sources some of the reserved money was used to acquire vehicles for management.
This was done against the law.
Allegations of Abuse of Office
Speaking on a constituency group former aspiring Norton MP Tapiwa Chigumwe added details.
“This man abused money from the Estate Account buying a vehicle when the money wasn’t meant for that.
“All the land that belonged to NTC was sold and instead of deploying the funds for progressive issues he squandered it on vehicles again.
“They used to give each other benefits as management personnel to the tune of $25 000 for using their personal vehicles.
“His going is actually good riddance,” he said.
Impersonating A CIO Officer
Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa added that he will actually be writing to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to institute investigations against Mandude.
“This is a dangerous guy who intimidated people and Councillors in Norton that he was CIO.
“As a ratepayer I don’t support this appointment and would warn you in advance about his behaviour.
“He made a lot of selfish decisions for management and yet against residents.
“Estate funds were abused and used wrongly.
Mliswa added that Karoi should have done a thorough background check before engaging the new TS.
“Even more damaging is how he has a trail of suspect cases for which a ZACC investigation is imminent,” he added.
Mandude has a very strong background in the field of finance.
He has already worked for many local authorities around the country.
Karoi Celebrates New Town Secretary
In its statement Karoi Town Council hailed his vast experience.
“Mr. Mandude brings to Council and to the town a vast experience in Local Governance and public service.
“He has previously served as Assistant Accountant at Delta Beverages, Finance and Administration Officer and Senior Internal Auditor for the City of Harare.
He has also been the Deputy Finance Director for Rusape Town Council, Treasurer for Gutu Rural District Council and Director of Financial Services for Chegutu Municipality.
Most recently he was Finance Director for Norton where he also served as Acting Town Secretary.
“Mr. Mandude brings to Karoi Town Council. extensive expertise in financial governance, institutional leadership, and the effective administration of local authority operations.
“As Town Secretary, Mr. Mandude will be responsible for the overall administration of Council affairs and the implementation of Council resolutions.
“Council calls upon all residents, stakeholders, partners, and members of staff to extend their warm welcome, full cooperation and support to the Town Secretary as he settles in for the execution of his duties.
