AN independent tribunal appointed to investigate fraud allegations levelled against Binga ward 17 councillor, Themba Tonse Tukanjile Kujulu Munkombwe (MDC-T) has set September 25 as the date for the hearings.
BY SILAS NKALA
Munkombwe faces allegations of abusing $4 103 raised under the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) to benefit the community.
Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage minister Abednigo Ncube was cited as the complainant in the matter while Munkombwe is cited as the defendant.
Ncube had suspended Munkombwe for breach of section 278 of the Constitution and the Local Government Amendment Act for abuse of funds meant for the Campfire project by taking unsanctioned trips to Harare. Both parties have been notified of the hearing date.
“Take note that the matter has been set down for hearing on September 25 at Binga Rural District Council at 2pm.
Parties are free to be represented by legal practitioners of their choice and call any witnesses as they deem necessary. Respondent may submit a written summary of his defence which summary may be submitted to the tribunal on the hearing date,” the tribunal said in its letter to both Ncube and Munkombwe.
The development came after Ncube recently rescinded Munkombwe’s suspension after the latter threatened to take legal action claiming he had been suspended without being afforded the opportunity to respond to the allegations levelled against him within seven days as prescribed by the law.
