By Staff Writer

Residents of Masvingo are outraged, accusing opposition councillors of shielding Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa, who’s facing fraud charges. Mukaratirwa’s alleged wrongdoing involves improper vehicle procurements, where he’s accused of using his position to acquire a luxury Toyota Prado VX-L valued at US$251,798, exceeding his approved entitlement ¹.

The approved vehicle, a Toyota Prado VX 3.0 litre engine, was valued at US$109,151. Additionally, Mukaratirwa’s suspected of misrepresenting facts about a double cab Toyota D4D vehicle donated by the African Development Bank for the municipal water and sanitation program. Despite this, he allegedly deceived the Masvingo City Council into transferring ownership of the vehicle to him.

The residents’ anger is palpable, with one resident saying, “These councillors are useless, they are busy protecting a corrupt individual.” Another resident added, “We are tired of being taken for a ride by our leaders. It’s time they took responsibility for their actions.”

Mukaratirwa’s case has been adjourned until March 3, 2025, with Masvingo Magistrate Innocent Bepura emphasizing the need for witnesses to be prepared for the next court appearance. The residents are demanding accountability from their leaders, saying “Enough is enough. We want our leaders to serve us, not themselves.”