Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor for Ward 24 in Rushinga, Admire Mupemhi, is facing severe public condemnation and allegations of paedophilia from his constituents, who accuse him of having a predilection for school-going girls, some believed to be under the age of 18.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the community, with several residents who spoke to this publication detailing a pattern of behaviour they describe as “predatory” and “unbefitting of a public leader.”
They allege that the councillor has been involved in multiple relationships with minors still in secondary school.
“This is not a secret in this ward. Everyone knows of Councillor Mupemhi’s lust for school children. He uses his position and the little money he has to lure these vulnerable girls. It is a disgrace. We have daughters and we cannot have a leader who sees them as prey,” claimed a local community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.
Beyond the allegations involving minors, Mupemhi is also accused of engaging in extramarital affairs with married women, further eroding his moral standing within the conservative community.
Residents stated that this behaviour has compounded the view that he is morally bankrupt and unfit for office.
“He is a man without any shred of decency. How can we trust him to handle community development funds or represent our interests when he is busy chasing after other men’s wives and our children? Leadership requires integrity, which he clearly lacks,” said another resident who preferred to be called Anna.
As a result of the allegations, Mupemhi’s popularity within Ward 24 is reported to have dwindled significantly.
Residents suggest that the controversy has all but destroyed his chances of reclaiming the seat in any future elections, with voters likely to seek a candidate with an untainted reputation.
“The trust is broken, completely and utterly. This is a tight-knit community where family values are paramount. His actions have brought shame not just on himself, but on the party he represents. It will be an uphill battle for him or the party to win here again,” stated a local CCC member who wished to remain unnamed.
Efforts to get a comment from Councillor Mupemhi were futile as repeated calls to his known mobile numbers went unanswered throughout the day.
However, the allegations against Mupemhi raise serious questions about the ethical fitness of those in office and have prompted calls from community members for a formal investigation by both party officials and relevant social welfare authorities.
