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Harare councillor fined for lying under oath
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Harare City Council's works and town planning chairperson, Councillor Takudzwa Dzumbunu, has been fined US$300 for providing false testimony under oath about her academic qualifications during a Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the city.
Clr Dzumbunu admitted to lying about holding a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Public Administration from the University of Zimbabwe when testifying before the five-member Commission, led by Justice Maphios Cheda. The issue arose when she was unable to fully recall the name of her degree and was asked to provide proof of her qualifications.
Upon being questioned, Dzumbunu confessed that she had failed a module, preventing her from completing her degree as originally claimed. She pleaded for forgiveness, but Justice Cheda rejected the plea, citing the Commissions of Inquiry Act, which penalizes false evidence given under oath.
"You are hereby sentenced to pay a fine of US$300 or, in default of payment, to undergo imprisonment for a period of six months," Justice Cheda ruled. "The imprisonment sentence is suspended for five years, on the condition that you do not contravene sections 12, 18, and 14 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, or commit any petty offence during this period."
In an explanation for her actions, Clr Dzumbunu said, "When I had that interview, I had hopes that I was going to collect it (degree) at the University of Zimbabwe so that I could still bring it forward. However, when I went to the university, I was told that the course I had not completed had been removed from the programme."
This incident is part of broader concerns regarding Harare City Council's leadership, with several committee chairpersons lacking the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively fulfill their roles. Critics have pointed out that this has hindered the functioning of the city council, with many officials failing to understand the demands and responsibilities of their positions.
The fine imposed on Clr Dzumbunu serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions of providing false testimony, particularly in public office, and the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Clr Dzumbunu admitted to lying about holding a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Public Administration from the University of Zimbabwe when testifying before the five-member Commission, led by Justice Maphios Cheda. The issue arose when she was unable to fully recall the name of her degree and was asked to provide proof of her qualifications.
Upon being questioned, Dzumbunu confessed that she had failed a module, preventing her from completing her degree as originally claimed. She pleaded for forgiveness, but Justice Cheda rejected the plea, citing the Commissions of Inquiry Act, which penalizes false evidence given under oath.
"You are hereby sentenced to pay a fine of US$300 or, in default of payment, to undergo imprisonment for a period of six months," Justice Cheda ruled. "The imprisonment sentence is suspended for five years, on the condition that you do not contravene sections 12, 18, and 14 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, or commit any petty offence during this period."
In an explanation for her actions, Clr Dzumbunu said, "When I had that interview, I had hopes that I was going to collect it (degree) at the University of Zimbabwe so that I could still bring it forward. However, when I went to the university, I was told that the course I had not completed had been removed from the programme."
This incident is part of broader concerns regarding Harare City Council's leadership, with several committee chairpersons lacking the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively fulfill their roles. Critics have pointed out that this has hindered the functioning of the city council, with many officials failing to understand the demands and responsibilities of their positions.
The fine imposed on Clr Dzumbunu serves as a reminder of the legal repercussions of providing false testimony, particularly in public office, and the need for transparency and accountability in governance.
Source - The Herald
