Zanu-PF Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi is scheduled to stand trial later this month over allegations that he defrauded a group of informal traders in Bulawayo by falsely promising to secure them vending bays in the city centre. The trial, which is drawing significant public attention, is set to begin on 20 August 2025 before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Munjanja.
Josiah Mutangi, alongside his alleged accomplice Janet Zhou, is accused of orchestrating a scam in February 2024 that saw at least 14 vendors lose a combined total of more than US$2,000. Prosecutors allege the pair solicited payments from desperate traders under the pretense of offering them access to vending bays along 5th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street — a prime location for informal trading in Bulawayo.
According to court papers, each trader was charged US$200 after being assured that official vending spaces were readily available. Relying on Josiah Mutangi ’s status as a councillor and Zhou’s apparent role in facilitating the process, the traders complied, handing over their money in good faith. However, the promised vending bays never materialised.
Among the complainants is Chishamiso Chihota, who, like many others, had been seeking a permanent vending space to operate legally within the central business district. When weeks passed without any allocation or formal documentation, suspicions grew. After repeated inquiries and no satisfactory answers from Josiah Mutangi or Zhou, the traders reported the matter to the police.
Investigations by law enforcement resulted in the arrest of both suspects, who were later granted bail set at US$400 each. They now await trial on charges of fraud, which legal analysts say could carry serious penalties if convicted, including possible jail time or removal from public office.
The case has sparked widespread anger among Bulawayo’s informal traders, who say they are frequently subjected to harassment, eviction, and manipulation in their ongoing battle to secure legal trading spaces. Many see the incident as a reflection of deeper systemic problems facing the city’s informal economy — one marked by limited space, bureaucratic delays, and corruption.
Zanu-PF Josiah Mutangi Councillor Faces Trial for Allegedly Defrauding Informal Traders in Bulawayo
“We trusted them because one of them is an elected official,” said one of the victims, who requested anonymity. “We are trying to survive and earn an honest living, but now we are being robbed by the very people who are supposed to help us.”
Several civic organisations and vendor unions have weighed in, condemning the alleged scam and urging the authorities to protect vulnerable traders from exploitation. Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) spokesperson Farai Mlalazi said the incident was “symptomatic of a broader failure to address the needs of the informal sector.”
“Every year, thousands of traders apply for vending bays and are either denied or forced to wait indefinitely. In such a context, opportunists step in and take advantage. What happened here is tragic but not surprising. We need a transparent and accountable system,” Mlalazi said.
The trial also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of elected officials and the mechanisms in place to ensure accountability. While Zanu-PF has not officially commented on the matter, pressure is mounting on the party to address the conduct of its members.
Legal experts note that if Councillor Josiah Josiah Mutangi is found guilty, the repercussions could extend beyond the courtroom. A conviction could trigger disciplinary action from the party and even result in his removal from council.
“Public officials are held to a higher standard of conduct,” said legal analyst Advocate Patience Moyo. “The law does not treat political status as a shield from prosecution. In fact, it demands greater responsibility. If the allegations are proven, the councillor could face both criminal sanctions and political consequences.”
The Bulawayo City Council has also come under scrutiny, with residents calling for tighter controls on how vending spaces are allocated and greater transparency in municipal operations. Council officials have yet to comment on the specific case but have acknowledged the need to reform the informal trading sector.
As the court date approaches, informal traders across the city are watching closely, hoping for justice and stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents. For many, the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how future cases involving public officials and vendor exploitation are handled.
In the meantime, the 14 affected traders say they are still struggling to recover their lost money and rebuild their livelihoods. For them, the trial is not just about punishing wrongdoing — it’s about restoring dignity and trust in a system that has failed them.
