Yes, the Mongu Mayor, Mr Nyambe Mayumbana is on suspension

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined as true reports that Mongu Mayor Mr Nyambe Mayumbana has been suspended. The UPND suspended Mr Muyuimbana for three months, while the Mongu Municipal Council suspended him for six months. To verify the claim, iVerify Zambia contacted the United Party for National Democracy(UNDP) Secretary General, Mr Batuke Imenda who clarified by explaining that the suspension was done at district level. iVerify contacted UPND Western Province Information and Publicity Secretarary, Mubiana Lamaswala, who confirmed that the party had suspended Mr Muyumbana for three months. Mr Lamaswala shared copies of correspondence from the party to Mr Muyumbana where he was requested to exculpate himself following complaints of misconduct against him. Mr Muyumbana did not exculpate himself, which Mr Lamaswala said compelled the party to suspend him for three months.

On 20th March 2023, Mongu Municipal Council held a special meeting to discuss the conduct of the Mayor following a petition submitted by one of the councillors concerning Mr Muyumbana’s conduct, which was said border on lowering the integrity of the Council, misuse of Council property, abuse of position and privileges. A video of the proceedings was shared on Mr Muyumbana’s Facebook page. Thereafter, the Mongu Town Clerk also issued a statement confirming the suspension. Mr Muyumbana also confirmed that he was on suspension, and indicated that although he had reservations about some aspects of the process of his suspension, he would not challenge the decision of the party and the council. Considering that some aspects of the issue are before the courts of law, iVerify will not provide detailed information as shared by Mr Muyumbana and Mr Lamaswala.