By Correspondent
The Ministry of Local Government has defended its decision to suspend Mudzi Rural District Chairperson Arnold Katsande.
Katsande was recently suspended over maladministration practices.
The suspension followed the exposure of governance and maladministration practices by an investigative committee.
In a statement the Ministry of Local Government endorsed the decision.
It said the suspension had been done above board.
“The suspension of Councillor Katsande was not done arbitrarily.
“It followed due processes in line with Section 157 of the Rural District Councils Act, as amended by the Local Government Laws Amendment Act (2016).
Anger Within
The move however has caused anger among fellow Councillors and Katsande.
According to councillors, Katsande is being persecuted after the RDC suspended head of finance, Royal Round.
This followed an audit that unearthed misappropriation of more than US$500 000 by Round.
Round is a Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial member.
He was suspended together with council’s environmental officer Tendai Musandiriri.
While Musandiriri was arrested and charged with fraud, Round is yet to be arrested.
This is despite a police report filed against him.
The 22 Mudzi councillors have since written letters to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Senate President Mabel Chinomona raising concerns over the suspension of Katsande.
