In a shocking case of corruption, Bulawayo city councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, chair of the finance and development committee, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for demanding a $20,000 bribe. Moyo was found guilty of soliciting a kickback from Labenmon Investments in exchange for approving a 5.6-hectare plot for a cement manufacturing project in Cowdray Park.

The drama unfolded when the company’s representative, Tsitsi Nyathi, alerted the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) after Moyo pressed for the payment. Nyathi then invited him to her home, where plainclothes ZACC officers were waiting to pounce. As soon as Moyo accepted the marked cash, the officers swooped in, ending Moyo’s bribery dreams.

Bulawayo provincial magistrate Richard Ramaboea handed Moyo an 18-month prison sentence, suspending six months on condition of good behavior. In his ruling, Magistrate Ramaboea emphasized that corruption by public officials is a “grave offence” that erodes public confidence in local authorities. One can only imagine the councillor’s thoughts during the sentencing: “I went from serving the public to serving time”.

Moyo’s case serves as a reminder that corruption doesn’t pay, literally. The councillor’s actions not only damaged his reputation but also wasted taxpayer resources. As for Moyo, he’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his actions while serving his 12-month sentence .

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