By a Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 Councillor Rodney Jele on allegations of extortion linked to a hotel development lease agreement.
According to ZACC, the three are accused of demanding US$52,000 from a businessman in exchange for facilitating the retention of a 50-year lease agreement for a hotel development project.
Investigations indicate that in August 2026, the accused allegedly approached the complainant and informed him that another businessman had offered them US$52,000 to influence the cancellation of a lease agreement that had been signed in March 2023.
The trio allegedly advised the complainant that he would need to match the purported offer if he wished to retain the lease.
ZACC said the businessman reported the matter to the anti-graft body, prompting investigators to mount an operation that culminated in the arrest of the suspects.
“The complainant reported the matter to ZACC and a trap was set, leading to their arrest,” the commission said in a statement.
The arrests come as ZACC continues to intensify investigations into allegations of corruption and abuse of office involving public officials and local authorities.
The three suspects are expected to appear before the Tredgold Magistrates’ Court in Bulawayo on Monday, 24 August 2026, where they will face extortion-related charges.
ZACC has urged members of the public to report corruption and extortion cases, saying public cooperation remains critical in the fight against graft.
