Chinhoyi Deputy Mayor Jailed for Housing Scheme Fraud

Patie07/05/2025

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Chinhoyi Deputy Mayor has been jailed for carrying out an illegal housing scheme using her position.

Chinhoyi’s Deputy Mayor and Ward 14 Councillor, Chipo Mlotshwa, has been convicted and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for illegally obtaining a second subsidised residential property from the municipal council. The conviction comes after she falsely declared not having previously benefited from the council’s housing scheme for elected officials.

Chinhoyi Deputy Mayor Arrested For Housing Fraud

Regional Magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe showed leniency by converting part of the punishment to 840 hours of community service at Alaska Primary School. Should Mlotshwa fail to complete this service, she faces 24 months behind bars. The court suspended an additional 12 months contingent on her maintaining good conduct.

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Details of the Fraudulent Transaction

Chinhoyi Deputy Mayor sentenced to three years for fraudulent housing scheme – Image Source@new zimbabwe

Court documents presented by prosecutor Marceline Mudzongo revealed that on July 23, 2019, the councillor submitted false information to Chinhoyi Municipality, claiming eligibility for the housing benefit. This deception led to her allocation of a 2,504.6 square meter property in Mapako worth ZWL$17,270.70 (equivalent to US$17,270.70 then).

Taking advantage of the 40% discount available to council members, Mlotshwa paid only ZWL$10,362.42, causing the municipality a financial loss of ZWL$6,908.28 (US$6,908.28).

Investigations uncovered that Mlotshwa had previously secured a similar benefit on June 29, 2011, directly contravening Circular Number 12 from the Ministry of Local Government. This regulation explicitly limits councillors to a single subsidized residential property throughout their tenure.

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Calls for Greater Municipal Transparency

The case has intensified demands for improved oversight in local government operations, with critics pointing to such abuses as eroding citizen confidence in public institutions. The sentencing marks a significant step in addressing corruption at the municipal level.