Jonathan Moyo suspends Harare Mayor a day after reinstating him

The Acting Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Professor Jonathan Moyo has suspended Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, a day after reinstating him.

Manyenyeni, who was suspended last month for insubordination following his controversial appointment of James Mushore as the new Town Clerk, was reinstated yesterday but could not last 24 hours in office as Professor Moyo sent him on another suspension on fresh allegations.

Professor Moyo said Manyenyeni has been suspended for blocking audits at Easipark and City Parking when he was informed of corruption at the two institutions.

Professor Moyo said the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere on 27 July 2015 instructed Mayor Manyenyeni to conduct a forensic audit of the two institutions within six weeks, before further instructing him on the 25th of January 2016 to expand the audit to all entities under Harare Sunshine Holdings Private Limited.

Instead of conducting the audits, Professor Moyo said Mayor Manyenyeni instructed officials who manage the entities to block the audits.

"This was the gross violation of duty and abuse of office on [the Mayor's] part. The allegations of corruption levelled against entities under Harare Sunshine Holdings Private Limited constitute gross dereliction of duty bordering on incompetence and corruption to the detriment of the residents of the city of Harare," added Professor Moyo.

During the period of the suspension, Manyenyeni shall not conduct any business for and on behalf of council and is not eligible to receive any allowance.