By TellZim Reporter
Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) Executive Officer for Finance, Never Mavhuna, has
been suspended from duty following the implementation of a government directive barring
public officials facing criminal charges from reporting for work while their cases are before
the courts.
The suspension comes after Bikita Residents and Ratepayers Association (BIRRA) petitioned
council to act against Mavhuna, who is currently facing criminal charges and is out on bail.
In a letter in possession of this publication dated June 9, 2026 addressed to BIRRA, the
council said it had implemented a ministerial directive issued on February 22, 2022, which
requires local authorities to prevent employees with pending criminal cases from reporting
for duty.
“In response to your communication stamped 29 May 2026 referenced as above, I am
informing you that on 27 May 2026, the Council through the Accounting Officer instituted
the Ministerial Directive dated 22 February 2022: Directive on Reporting for Work While on
Bail, to the Executive Officer Finance for Bikita Rural District Council.
“As an arm of Central Government, Local Authorities are mandated to operate in line with
directives and circulars from the parent Ministry,” reads part of the letter.
The directive was introduced amid growing concerns over the arrest of senior council
officials on charges related to criminal abuse of office and other offences.
“The surge in arrest of senior Council employees on charges relating to criminal abuse of
office, among others, has sent mixed reactions to the public that they are employed to serve.
My office has always maintained the unwavering stance that in the public interest and as a
good corporate governance practice, any official who has a matter pending before the courts
may not be allowed to continue with their day-to-day operations in Council until they have
been acquitted by the same courts,” reads part of the directive.
The directive further orders all local authorities to ensure that employees whose criminal
cases are still before the courts are barred from reporting for duty until the matters are
concluded.
BIRRA had earlier petitioned the council, arguing that Mavhuna should be suspended
pending the finalisation of his case before the Bikita Magistrates’ Court.
“BIRRA formally petitions the following immediate actions: That the Bikita RDC Council, at
its next sitting or by urgent special resolution, formally resolves to suspend the Executive
Officer Finance from duty — with pay — pending the finalisation of criminal proceedings
before the Bikita Magistrates’ Court.
“That an acting Finance Officer be designated immediately to ensure uninterrupted service
delivery to ratepayers during the suspension period,” reads part of the petition.
According to officials, Mavhuna was remanded out of custody to June 23, 2026.
Mavhuna was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over
allegations that he and the late Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer, Peter Chibi, registered a
private company, Bikita Hanyanya Investments (Private) Limited, without obtaining the
required ministerial approval.
The pair allegedly held equal shareholding in the company and went on to award it several
lucrative council contracts, including security services, bus levy collection, and vehicle
clamping and veranda fee collection.
Chibi committed suicide on March 11 2024 allegedly over corruption related issues.
