CHITUNGWIZA – Hazel Sithole, the Director of Housing and Community Services for Chitungwiza Municipality, appeared in court on charges of criminal abuse of office.
Sithole, 46, is accused of unlawfully selling a municipal stand without following the required procedures.
The state, represented by Acting Town Clerk Japson Nemuseso, alleges that Sithole bypassed established protocols.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti outlined Hazel Sithole’s duties, including conducting competitive bidding processes, submitting adjudication outcomes to the Finance Committee, seeking Council Resolutions, allocating stands, and issuing offer letters.
The case centers on Sithole’s alleged failure to adhere to Clause 13 of the Chitungwiza Municipality Housing Policy.
The clause mandates competitive bidding, submission of adjudication outcomes, a Council Resolution, and issuing offer letters.
The incident dates back to July 19, 2018, during the municipality’s 449th ordinary meeting.
The Council had resolved to consider an application by Chesane Jaidi for a land allocation to construct a service station.
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However, Hazel Sithole is accused of falsely stating in an offer letter that the Council had approved the allocation to Jaidi, leading him to make payments and sign a lease agreement.
The state claims Sithole’s actions were intended to favor Jaidi, violating her official duties. Sithole was granted $500 bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 18, 2024.
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