A senior manager in the Bulawayo City Council’s Fire and Ambulance Services Department has been suspended following allegations of embezzling over 20,000 litres of fuel over a three-year period, sources within the municipality have confirmed.
The alleged fuel scam has reportedly drawn the attention of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which is closely monitoring the case. ZACC officials indicated that they are awaiting the outcome of an internal audit currently being finalized by the local authority.
According to insiders, the manager—whose identity has not been officially disclosed—was handed a suspension letter last Monday. A disciplinary hearing was subsequently held on Thursday, following the completion of the internal audit.
“The internal audit report was damning,” said a source within council. “Given the scale of the misconduct and the public exposure, it was impossible for the issue to be brushed aside. The manager was suspended and the hearing has taken place. The outcome seems almost inevitable.”
The findings of the audit are said to be circulating among senior council officials and are expected to be tabled at the upcoming full council meeting.
When approached for comment, Bulawayo City Council spokesperson Ms. Bongiwe Ngwenya declined to confirm the suspension, citing council policy on employee confidentiality.
“Investigations are underway,” she said. “Please note that the City of Bulawayo does not comment on employee matters in the media.”
This incident comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe face growing scrutiny over corruption and mismanagement, particularly in the handling of public resources.
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