Mayor Mafume suspends top council official

Tensions are running high at the Harare City Council (HCC) following a controversial testimony by Executive Assistant Town Clerk, Mathew Marara, at the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the council's operations. Marara's frank statements have not only exposed deep-rooted corruption at Town House but have also earned him powerful enemies within the council.

During his appearance at the commission, Marara accused top HCC officials of involvement in widespread corrupt activities, shedding light on an atmosphere of lawlessness that has pervaded the local authority. The testimony implicated various high-ranking figures, including some key councillors, sparking outrage among his colleagues.

In the wake of his damning testimony, a directive was issued by the Acting Human Capital Director, Bosman Matengarufu, instructing that Marara be suspended. The order, reportedly coming from Mayor Jacob Mafume, aimed to remove Marara from his position as the City's Executive Assistant Town Clerk, where he currently earns a hefty salary of US$12,000.

However, the suspension was blocked when Acting Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo refused to sign the order, citing ambiguity in the council's resolution. Mabhena Moyo, during his testimony before the commission, explained, "I thought there were still some issues that were still going through Council and I did not have a council resolution to effect the contents of the documents. There was a specific resolution that he should be suspended. Usually, I am guided by Council resolutions, but I did not have a specific resolution on this one."

The tension at Town House has escalated to the point where Marara, fearing for his safety, gave his latest testimony behind closed doors. Reports indicate that Marara has faced death threats, including an alleged attempt to poison him, as officials move to cover up their tracks amid the mounting corruption allegations.

Sources within the council have indicated that Marara's rise to power has been shrouded in mystery, with many questioning the circumstances under which he secured his position. Marara's salary and his swift ascension to a high-ranking role have raised eyebrows, particularly given the ongoing financial difficulties at the city council.

Mabhena Moyo, while testifying, also suggested that the pressure to suspend Marara came not only from Matengarufu but also from councillors and policymakers within the council. "Matengarufu said he was being pressured to effect the resolution of 18th December, which was very ambiguous. Pressured by councillors and policymakers. From his side, it was coming from human resources committee members and probably the Mayor," Mabhena Moyo added.

The commission's investigation into HCC operations has revealed a grim picture of rampant corruption, with Marara describing an environment where illegal dealings are common and those who challenge the status quo face dire consequences. As the inquiry continues, questions about the true extent of corruption at Town House and the pressure on those willing to expose it remain at the forefront of the ongoing scandal.

With Marara's testimony continuing to rattle the council's leadership, it is unclear what the next steps will be as both the HCC and the commission confront the mounting allegations and the divisions within the local government.