FORMER Gweru mayor, Hamutendi Kombayi allegedly owes the city council more than $400, 000 in unpaid rates and water bills, a report from an independent tribunal that investigated charges levelled against councilllors has revealed.
Kombayi and colleagues were suspended in August 2015 on charges of gross misconduct and abuse of council funds.
Last week Local Government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere fired Kombayi and Ward 4 councillor, Kenneth Sithole, while he reinstated 10 other MDC-T councillors and three Zanu PF councillors.
Kombayi is alleged to have victimised council workers who were trying to recover the said debt.
The ex-mayor was, however, acquitted on the victimisation allegations.
"It is alleged that the mayor (Kombayi) abused his office by victimising council employees not to pursue recovery of money owed to council by accused and his companies which amount to USD425, 023," part of the tribunal report said.
In 2015, there were reports that Kombayi's Midlands Hotel owed council more than $300, 000 in water and rates bills.
But, at the time, Kombayi disputed the debt arguing that the council's billing system was not up to standard.
Recently, Gweru residents demanded itemised bills from the local authority saying the estimated bills were not genuine and were prejudicing them of their money.