BPRA Demands Accountability, Reforms Over Bulawayo Councillors’ Bribery Allegations

BULAWAYO – The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has condemned alleged corruption involving four serving Bulawayo City councillors and a former councillor, calling for immediate accountability and sweeping institutional reforms at City Hall.

In a statement issued on August 26, 2026, the residents' association said it respected the ongoing court process but maintained that corruption in any form should not be tolerated.

“Although the matter is still ongoing in the courts of law, BPRA categorically condemns all forms of corruption,” the association said.

“The alleged involvement of the city’s highest public offices in bribery, extortion, and malpractice undermines public trust and desecrates the city’s foundational value of integrity.”

BPRA said the City of Bulawayo had a responsibility to promote ethical leadership, transparency and accountability in order to rebuild public confidence among residents and the business community. The association said restoring integrity in local government was critical to Bulawayo's ambitions of reclaiming its position as Zimbabwe's industrial hub and developing into a smart city.

Call for Internal Investigations

BPRA called on the local authority to launch its own internal investigations into the allegations and follow procedures provided for under the Urban Councils Act. It also demanded stricter enforcement of asset declarations by councillors and other public officials, arguing that such measures could help identify unexplained wealth and potential conflicts of interest.

The residents' body further called for stronger transparency requirements, including rigorous financial disclosures and tighter oversight of public land, leases and other municipal resources.

“Relevant oversight institutions and political parties must immediately reinforce whistle-blower protections and institutional ethical standards,” BPRA said.

Five Implicated in Allegations

The calls follow the arrest and questioning of five current and former Bulawayo councillors in connection with allegations involving a US$52,000 bribe. Bulawayo deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 councillor Rodney Jele were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over the weekend.

Councillors Mxolisi Mahlangu and Ashton Mhlanga later handed themselves over at ZACC offices in Bulawayo.

The five are accused of soliciting a US$52,000 bribe allegedly intended to prevent the cancellation of a hotel development lease. The matter is expected to proceed through the courts, where the allegations will be tested. BPRA said the developments should serve as a catalyst for deeper reforms aimed at strengthening ethical governance, protecting whistle-blowers and ensuring greater accountability in the management of Bulawayo's public resources.

Bulawayo councillors bribery allegations