MASVINGO - Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo’s onslaught on MDC councillors has claimed one official here.

Chombo has suspended MDC Ward 8 councillor Misheck Gapare on allegations of mismanagement of council property and unprofessional conduct.

The suspension is meant to pave way for investigations into charges of contravening the Urban Councils Act after Gapare allegedly mismanaged council property.

In a letter date October 29 this year signed by Chombo, the councillor will remain on suspension indefinitely.

He joins dozens of MDC councillors and mayors purged by Chombo in various urban and rural councils since 2000 when the MDC began sweeping local government elections.

Allegations against Gapare range from allocating himself a residential stand, which he developed  without council approval,  failure to pay electricity and water bills at a council rented flat and failing to settle $1 080 for a council tent he hired in 2010.

“After carefully analysing the facts presented to me on the above cases. I am convinced that your actions are in contravention of section 114 (1) (d) of the Urban Councils Act, and therefore am compelled to suspend you from the office of councillor with immediate effect,” reads part of the letter.

The outspoken councillor, who is also a trade unionist, has been banned from visiting the council premises while investigations are underway.

Gapare confirmed his suspension and said he would comply. - Godfrey Mtimba