Tensions Flare Over Chinhoyi Councillors’ Allowances

Chinhoyi councillors clash over unpaid travel allowances (image source)

A routine review of travel allowances in the Chinhoyi Municipality council chambers on 17 September descended into chaos when Ward 8 Councillor David Malunga demanded reimbursement from colleagues who claimed “own use” subsistence allowances but failed to undertake authorized trips, sparking heated exchanges and an alleged assault.

During the “look and learn” programme debrief—which funded a visit to Victoria Falls—Malunga asked councillors who did not use their vehicles to return the US $200-per-day allowances. Councillors heatedly refused, calling the matter “water under the bridge.” Tensions escalated when Malunga was escorted out of the chamber by Councillor Godfrey Muzhandamure; outside, Malunga alleges Muzhandamure struck him, prompting a police complaint under RRB 6557353 at Chinhoyi Central Police Station.

“We all signed for the money. I never assaulted him—he’s too talkative. We exchanged harsh words over an issue that should have been resolved months ago.”– Councillor Godfrey Muzhandamure

Council records show Malunga had earlier flagged similar abuses in May 2025, when Ignatius Zvigadza (Ward 4) reportedly pocketed US $1,000 for a Saudi Arabia conference and never traveled or repaid the advance. The municipality’s finance director, Zephaniah Chirarwe, estimates it would take 13 months to recover Zvigadza’s funds via monthly deductions—a clear breach of the Accounting Procedure Manual’s 30-day reimbursement rule.

Acting chamber secretary Hilda Kabangure admitted policy lapses. “Advances must be reclaimed within 30 days,” she told NewsDay, acknowledging that hundreds of dollars remain unrecouped from both sanctioned and unsanctioned trips.

Combined Chinhoyi Residents Trust chairperson Tendayi Musonza warned that prolonged silence on these discrepancies undermines public confidence.

“How can residents trust an audit system when the audit committee chairperson is embroiled in scandal?”– Tendayi Musonza, CCDRT

Policy Breaches and Budget Impact

Under Chinhoyi’s policy, councillors qualify for a daily subsistence allowance when traveling on official business, with vehicle usage allowances capped at US $150 per day. Trips must be approved by the town clerk and supported with travel logs and mileage reports. Any unspent advances must be refunded within 30 days.

However, a 2024 finance committee report warned of lax enforcement and recommended tighter controls and audits—steps that remain unimplemented.

Chinhoyi’s US $2 million annual administrative budget allocates about US $120,000 for councillor subsistence. Transparency advocates argue that unchecked claims drain scarce municipal resources and hinder service delivery.

“Every dollar misused is a pothole unfixed or a clinic left underfunded.”– Dr Maria Nkombo, Public-Sector Economist, University of Zimbabwe

Broader Governance Concerns

The allowances scandal compounds Chinhoyi’s governance woes, which already include stalled water projects and overgrown graveyards. With the 2026 local elections approaching, critics say ruling parties risk voter backlash unless strict accountability measures are enforced.

The town clerk has convened a finance committee hearing on 22 September to audit all travel advances since January 2025 and recommend recoveries or write-offs. Meanwhile, Chinhoyi Central Police is investigating the assault claim, while the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) monitors the financial irregularities.