… As JOC is set to retrieve the car from former Gweru Mayor
Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- Residents have called for former Gweru Mayor Josiah Makombe to return the pool car he is holding on to after his recall from the post by MDC-Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora in December last year.
Allegations are that Makombe is holding on to the car as part of his terminal benefits following his recall after he was caught up in the political persecution by being allegiant to now Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa by then MDC-T led by Mwonzora.
Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association (GUPRARDA) Director David Chikore said it was a fact that the acting Town Clerk had not taken enough action over the issue.
“It is a known fact that the acting Town Clerk had not taken any action thus far on the issue. We want to know further details on why Makombe is still using the vehicle.
“The acting Town Clerk is the substantive Chamber Secretary at Town House and is the Chief Legal Advisor and custodian of Council records, by virtue of that position. Before demanding that Makombe returns the vehicle, we should seek to fully understand the full internal arrangements and agreements made between Makombe and Town House during his tenure, especially surrounding the issue of the vehicle,” Chikore added.
He also said residents initially had suggested that the vehicle be disposed to boost council revenue.
“Remember the vehicle was originally meant to be used by Elizabeth Gwatipedza the Town Clerk before she got suspended. We strongly felt that the vehicle whose mistimed purchase was contentious, be kept unused while waiting for the appointment of a substantive Town Clerk.
“We even suggested that the vehicle be sold with the proceeds going into council coffers. This route hit a brick wall, apparently due to a standing government policy guiding the disposal of public assets. It was around then that we woke up to news that the Prado had been transferred to the Mayor’s office as a pool vehicle and along the line, there were news that Mr Makombe wanted to convert the vehicle to personal use so that it becomes one of his exit perks at the end of his tenure,” he added.
Chikore however appealed to the former mayor to return council property.
“Until and unless we have the full details on what transpired in Town House’s corridors of power, we might actually be jumping the gun and unnecessarily whipping up the people’s emotions.
“In the meantime, we appeal to former Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe to do the honourable thing and protect his reputation,” urged Chikore.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) Director Cornelia Selipiwe said as residents they were happy with council resolution which was passed on February 17 during a full council meeting.
“As residents we are happy regarding the resolution passed on yesterday for Makombe to return the car. It remains illegal for one to hold on to council property when he is no longer in office.
“At least in a resolution passed, it was clearly stated that the car can be sold after the term of his office. If he is to get it (the car) it should after his term when council disposes it,” added Selipiwe.
GRRA have since written a letter dated February 15, 2022 addressed to Acting Town Clerk Vakai Chikwekwe regarding the use of the vehicle by former mayor.
“We refer to the above matter and write to inquire on the circumstances justifying the continued abuse of council vehicle a Toyota Prado (Black) by the former Mayor Josiah Makombe.
“We have observed with concern that despite him relinquishing office, he continues to misuse the vehicle as a campaign vehicle ferrying party supporters,” read part of the letter.
Contacted for comment on the matter Chikwekwe said he is officially on leave though he said a council meeting held on February 17 discussed the matter before referring this publication to the public relations office.
“You can ask the public relations department because I am on leave. I did not attend the meeting but the PR department would be in a position to answer. The ordinary council meeting was held and it’s true the issue of returning of the vehicle was discussed and resolved the former should surrender it,” said Chikwekwe before referring the reporter to assistant public relations officer Anna Machacha.
Machacha however could not comment as well on the matter as she suggested the reporter put his questions in writing via electronic mail to the office of the Town Clerk.
Meanwhile in a new development the Joint Operations Command (JOC) has been ordered to retrieve the car from Makombe.
Gweru District Development Coordinator (DDC) Ndeya Nyede confirmed the development.
Nyede said Makombe acted outside council regulations by grabbing the vehicle.
“Failure to return the council vehicle or property is outside the council regulations and it is an offense to remain with council property when you are no longer serving.
“We are therefore going to send a team of JOC comprising of Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and other security agencies to impound the vehicle,” said Nyede.
Efforts to get comment from Makombe were fruitless as his mobile number went unanswered.
