Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
VICTORIA Falls Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo’s wedding, which was scheduled for Boxing Day, had to be postponed as he has reportedly gone into hiding amid escalating turmoil within the council chambers.
Clr Moyo was set to marry his longtime girlfriend, Ms Martina Novuyo Sibanda, after the two were customarily married in a lavish ceremony held on the outskirts of Victoria Falls in October.
The mayor paid more than US$12 500 bride price on that particular day.
However, sources close to Clr Moyo who spoke on condition of anonymity said the mayor preferred to postpone the wedding and go into hiding until the ‘‘political temperatures’’ have cooled down.
“The mayor is very safe and sound. He should be back in the City soon and will convene a special council meeting,” said a source this week.
With Clr Moyo’s number not reachable, Sunday News contacted Ms Sibanda for a comment who however refused to give details on the issue.
“I think you can wait until he (Clr Moyo) is available to speak and he can respond to all your questions. I cannot comment on the issue,” said Ms Sibanda.
According to sources close to the family, Clr Moyo was last week reported missing by his family after he went into hiding and switched off his phones.
“The family was very worried when he disappeared, particularly his wife. They went to the extent of reporting him missing at Victoria Falls Police Station.
“As you might know, they were preparing for their wedding on 26 December. In fact, they were supposed to do the legalities and later celebrate at a ceremony that was set for the Zambezi River,” said the source.
Turmoil within the Citizens Coalition for Change-led Victoria Falls council began when the mayor suspended the Town Clerk, Mr Ronnie Dube which caused a significant rift within the city, creating divisions both in the council chambers and among residents.
Two weeks ago, some councillors boycotted a full council meeting, leading to a lack of quorum and further escalating tensions surrounding the situation.
The full council meeting was meant to deliberate among other issues, the suspension of the town clerk, who was suspended early this month amid allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
Clr Moyo had notified Mr Dube of his suspension through a letter dated December 2, 2024. The mayor noted that Mr Dube’s suspension was in terms of Section 29: (3) of the Urban Councils Act.
The mayor said he had received several complaints and allegations of abuse of office and corruption against Mr Dube about the illegal allocation of land.
Councillors endorsed the suspension in a full council meeting the following day.
However, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe wrote to the mayor directing the councillors to rescind the resolution as it was non-procedural and not supported by policy.
Councillors sat and resolved to stand by their resolution and the minister summoned the mayor and committee chairpersons to Harare where he (the minister) reportedly reiterated the ministerial position on the need to rescind the suspension.
The councillors were then expected to meet on December 17 but only five turned up forcing the postponement of the full council.
The meeting was then rescheduled to Thursday, December 19; the day the mayor went into hiding. — @nyeve14
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