Recalled CCC Councillor Arrested as Victoria Falls Council Faces Leadership Revolt
- Southerton Business Times
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
VICTORIA FALLS – Political tensions within Victoria Falls City Council escalated dramatically on Thursday after a recalled Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor was arrested and forcibly removed from council offices, while Mayor Prince Thuso Moyo and his deputy, Lungile Nyoni, simultaneously faced growing calls for their removal from office.
The incident involving the former Ward 9 councillor followed a recall process initiated by the CCC and formalised by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe. On May 27, Garwe notified the Victoria Falls Town Clerk that three CCC councillors had been recalled from council following communication from the opposition party. However, the recalled Ward 9 councillor reportedly rejected the dismissal, describing it as illegitimate and refusing to vacate council premises.
Sources familiar with the incident said tensions escalated after efforts to persuade the councillor to leave the offices failed. Witnesses alleged that the councillor climbed onto a table during the confrontation, damaged a council-issued laptop, and threatened council officials, including the Town Clerk. The situation eventually required police intervention.
Law enforcement officers were called to restore order and reportedly restrained the councillor before taking him into custody. Authorities had not publicly disclosed the charges he may face at the time of publication. The dramatic scenes unfolded against a backdrop of ongoing political instability within the resort city's local authority, which has experienced recurring disputes over leadership, recalls, and governance issues in recent years.
The latest developments come as Mayor Prince Thuso Moyo and Deputy Mayor Lungile Nyoni face possible removal through a vote of no confidence scheduled to be considered during the 64th Ordinary Council Meeting. The meeting, originally scheduled for June 2, was postponed to Thursday under circumstances that have not been publicly explained. According to documents seen by local media, 12 councillors have signed petitions seeking the removal of both officials, citing alleged misconduct, poor governance, and loss of confidence in their leadership.
Among the allegations against Deputy Mayor Nyoni is his reported involvement in the suspension of the Town Clerk in December 2024, a decision councillors claim resulted in financial losses for the local authority through salary payments and investigation costs. Councillors further allege that Nyoni collected money from residents under the pretext of facilitating land allocations, claims that have raised concerns about potential legal liabilities for the council.
Mayor Moyo faces separate allegations, including failure to attend official government duties, inadequate participation in council committee meetings, and poor communication with fellow councillors regarding official engagements.
The petitioners argue that his leadership style has eroded trust within the council and weakened confidence in the institution. Councillors also allege that the mayor frequently acted unilaterally on matters requiring collective decision-making and failed to provide feedback on official trips undertaken on behalf of the local authority. The petition further claims that his conduct has damaged public confidence in both council and government structures.
The twin crises highlight deep divisions within Victoria Falls City Council at a time when local authorities are under increasing pressure to improve service delivery, financial accountability, and governance standards. The outcome of both the councillor recall dispute and the proposed no-confidence motions could significantly reshape the political landscape within one of Zimbabwe's most important tourism municipalities.
Council is expected to deliberate on the motions during its meeting, with councillors set to determine whether the mayor and deputy mayor retain the confidence of the chamber. Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thursday's disturbance at council offices.
Victoria Falls City Council crisis
Comments