Bulawayo Deputy Mayor and Two Councillors Arrested In US$52,000 Extortion Case

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu over an extortion case involving a hotel development lease.

Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 councillor Rodney Jele were also arrested.

The three are accused of allegedly demanding US$52,000 from a local businessman to prevent the cancellation of a 50-year lease agreement.

The lease was reportedly entered into in March 2023 for a hotel development.

ZACC confirmed the arrests on Sunday as investigations into the matter continue.

Also Read: Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo Arrested Over US$20,000 Bribery Scandal

Businessman Allegedly Told To Match Rival Offer

According to the anti-corruption body, the alleged extortion occurred in August 2026.

Investigators established that the three accused allegedly approached the businessman over the lease.

They reportedly claimed that another businessman was prepared to pay US$52,000 to have the agreement cancelled.

The complainant was allegedly told to match the amount if he wanted to keep the lease.

ZACC said the businessman subsequently reported the matter to the commission.

Trap Leads To Arrests

Following the complaint, ZACC investigators organised a trap operation.

The operation resulted in the arrest of the three accused.

The commission has not indicated whether the alleged US$52,000 was recovered during the operation.

The case centres on allegations that the accused attempted to use their positions and influence to obtain money from the businessman in connection with the lease.