Bulawayo Deputy Mayor arrested for alleged US$52,000 extortion

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkodi Ndlovu, and former Ward 22 Councillor Rodney Jele for alleged extortion.

The suspects are accused of demanding US$52,000 from a local businessman in August 2026. The demand was allegedly made to prevent the cancellation of a 50-year lease agreement for a hotel development that had been in place since March 2023. According to ZACC, the accused told the businessman that an unnamed individual was offering US$52,000 to cancel the lease, advising the complainant to match that amount to retain the agreement.

Following a report from the businessman, ZACC utilized a trap that led to the arrests. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo on Monday, 24 August 2026.