The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has officially announced by-elections for two key council wards scheduled for 3 October 2026, following the removal of a Bulawayo councillor for misconduct and the death of a Hwange Rural District Council representative .
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Read E-PaperThe Bulawayo Ward 1 seat fell vacant after an independent tribunal found ZANU-PF councillor Josiah Mutangi guilty of misconduct following his conviction on 14 counts of fraud .
Mutangi was found to have defrauded 13 street vendors by falsely promising them vending bays in the city centre in exchange for cash .
The Local Government Minister Hon. Garwe confirmed his removal under Section 278(1) of the Constitution, citing a “recurring pattern of fraudulent behaviour” and abuse of public trust .
The second vacancy is for Ward 18 in the Hwange Rural District Council, triggered by the death of incumbent councillor Stanley Torima .
Torima reportedly passed away at Mpilo Hospital after a long battle with diabetes .
ZEC Chief Elections Officer S. Tongayi confirmed that nomination courts will sit on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at the Bulawayo City Council offices for Ward 1 and the Hwange Rural District Council offices for Ward 18 .
A poll will be held on October 3 if more than one candidate is nominated .
