CHINHOYI, Aug.20，2025 (NewsDay Live)-The Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC) has appointed Remijio Makuwere as the acting chief executive officer in place of the suspended Fellistus Muteta, who is facing serious allegations of theft and criminal abuse of duty.
Muteta's suspension followed the conviction of his predecessor, Luke Kalavina, who was sentenced to 34 years in prison for defrauding the council of funds designated for critical infrastructure projects such as bridges and clinics.
HRDC chairperson Mary Mkiswa-Chikoka, who is also the Zanu PF provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West, expressed optimism about Makuwere’s leadership.
“His leadership brings fresh energy and a wealth of experience to the council, and we are confident that his vision and dedication will drive meaningful development across the district,” Mliswa-Chikoka said.
However, Makuwere’s appointment has sparked controversy with some councillors claiming that his appointment was flawed.
“Due diligence was not conducted, and we were told to appoint Makuwere based on a verbal directive from the ministry.
“We can't pass a resolution on a verbal directive, especially when the substantive CEO is still employed,” said a councillor who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The councillor added: "We seem to be in perennial problems of our own making."
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Muteta, along with internal auditor Brighton Dube and human resources manager Chamunorwa Mufuma, are currently out on bail, awaiting trial for similar charges at the Karoi magistrates court.
