By Fanuel Chinowaita
BULAWAYO, 23 August 2026 — Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkodi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 Councillor Rodney Jele over allegations of extortion linked to a 50-year lease agreement for a hotel development.
In a statement, ZACC said the three allegedly demanded US$52,000 from a local businessman in August 2026 in exchange for not cancelling a lease agreement entered into in March 2023.
“Investigations revealed that sometime in August 2026, the accused persons allegedly demanded US$52,000.00 from a local businessman in exchange for not cancelling a lease agreement entered into in March 2023,” ZACC said.
According to the anti-graft body, the accused allegedly told the businessman that an unnamed individual was offering them US$52,000 to have the lease cancelled.
They allegedly advised the complainant to match the amount if he wanted to retain the lease.
The businessman subsequently reported the matter to ZACC, which set a trap that resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo on Monday, 24 August 2026.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the three remain innocent until proven guilty.