Harare bigwig's 'property buying spree' probed

A senior Harare City Council official, Matthew Marara, is facing allegations of acquiring multiple properties through corrupt means as scrutiny over his financial dealings intensifies.

Marara, who serves as an executive assistant, appeared before a commission of inquiry led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda. The commission, appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in May last year, is investigating corruption and financial mismanagement at the council.

Evidence leader Thabani Mpofu revealed reports suggesting that Marara owned several properties allegedly obtained through corrupt activities. Marara, however, denied the accusations, maintaining that he lawfully acquired his assets.

"I acquired one stand in Gunhill in 2016," Marara told the commission. "Apart from this stand which I built, I also bought a house in Mabelreign and another house in Bulawayo. Those are the properties that I have acquired."

He dismissed allegations linking him to other properties as baseless, suggesting that doctored videos were being used to tarnish his reputation.

"I think any grey painted house was ascribed to me," he said. "I cannot respond to rumours and fight rumours."

Marara also refuted claims that he was untouchable within the council, denying reports that he had resigned and later returned under controversial circumstances.

"I never resigned from the City of Harare," he said. "I do not control the city council as is being alleged."

Precious Shumba, leader of the Harare Residents Trust, accused city councillors of enabling corruption.

"Our councillors are the real enemies of the ratepayers," Shumba said. "They partake in corrupt deals with council management without prioritizing the residents. It is the councillors who have nurtured the rot by allowing themselves to be paid bribes by manipulative and cunning city managers."

The commission has reportedly uncovered widespread corruption in the municipality, which is struggling to deliver basic services. Marara, who allegedly earns a monthly salary of US$12,000, is among several officials under investigation.

While the Harare City Council is controlled by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), its top managers, including the town clerk, are appointed by the government through the Local Government Board. This arrangement has drawn criticism, with the government accused of exacerbating corruption through political interference.

The commission's findings are expected to shed light on the full extent of corruption within the council, as ratepayers continue to grapple with deteriorating service delivery.