Zimbabwe's highest court rejected former Victoria Falls Mayor Somveli Dlamini's final appeal against fraud charges. The Supreme Court confirmed his 36-month prison sentence for stealing US$15,000 from Victoria Falls City Council. Justices Samuel Kudya, Tendai Uchena and Susan Mavangira ruled unanimously against reducing the punishment. Justice Kudya emphasized that public officials who betray community trust deserve appropriate consequences. The Bulawayo High Court had previously supported the original conviction from October 2023.
Dlamini committed the crime during August 2022 while serving as mayor and Ward 9 councillor. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission investigators discovered he falsely identified himself as Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko to obtain commercial property. Council regulations permit residents only one land allocation per person, but Dlamini had already received previous benefits. He paid US$10,000 initially and added ZWL$7.5 million when unable to complete the US$25,000 purchase. The fraud cost the council US$15,000 with potential losses reaching US$66,462.75.
Dlamini committed the crime during August 2022 while serving as mayor and Ward 9 councillor. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission investigators discovered he falsely identified himself as Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko to obtain commercial property. Council regulations permit residents only one land allocation per person, but Dlamini had already received previous benefits. He paid US$10,000 initially and added ZWL$7.5 million when unable to complete the US$25,000 purchase. The fraud cost the council US$15,000 with potential losses reaching US$66,462.75.
