Hwedza Rural District Council chairperson Councilor Sheilla Mugabe has rejected allegations of corruption, unprocedural foreign travel, and financial mismanagement raised by ratepayers who petitioned Parliament and threatened to boycott council rates.
Speaking at Zim Now offices, Mugabe said only two foreign trips were undertaken in 2025, to Italy and Mozambique, both by invitation and aimed at attracting investment into the district. She dismissed claims of travel to the UK and Ghana as false.
She said the Italy trip opened doors for potential investment, including plans for a leather processing plant in Hwedza, although the project is still at the discussion stage.
On financial management, Mugabe said council budgets are planning tools and do not guarantee implementation if resources are unavailable. She confirmed that no kombi was purchased despite appearing in the budget.
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She also rejected claims that residents were not consulted on the 2026 budget, saying all wards except Ward 15 completed consultations through ward development committees.
Mugabe further denied responsibility for alleged political labeling of councillors and said police were called only to remove a disruptive resident from a full council meeting.
She said HRDC remains accountable to the public and that council documents are open for inspection.
| Ratepayers’ Allegations | HRDC Chairperson’s Response |
|---|---|
| Council officials undertook unfunded and unauthorised foreign trips to Italy, UK, Ghana and Mozambique | Only two trips were undertaken in 2025, to Italy and Mozambique, both by invitation |
| No council resolution authorised the Italy trip | Italy trip was invited by an organisation focused on rural industrialisation |
| No tangible benefits from foreign travel | Italy visit opened doors for investment, including a proposed leather processing plant |
| Trips added pressure to council finances and affected service delivery | Trips were investment-driven and part of development efforts |
| Double costing of projects and inflated charges | Budgets are plans and not all projects can be implemented without resources |
| A kombi was purchased but is missing | No kombi was purchased despite being budgeted for |
| Residents were not properly consulted on the 2026 budget | All wards except Ward 15 conducted consultations via ward development committees |
| Political labelling and intimidation of Councillor Lovemore Mukombe | Chair denies responsibility for any such remarks |
| Police were used to intimidate residents and shut down dissent | Police were called only to remove a disruptive resident from a council meeting |
| Council operates with a culture of impunity and secrecy | Council is accountable and documents are open for public inspection |
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