Harare City Council inquiry accused of protecting corrupt officials while attacking reformers

The ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the Harare City Council, led by retired Justice Maphios Cheda, is facing mounting accusations of complicity in shielding corrupt officials, while exerting unnecessary pressure on those fighting for accountability.

Despite exposing rampant corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of office, the commission has failed to take any decisive action, fueling suspicions that it has been compromised by the very individuals it was meant to investigate.  

Protecting the corrupt, persecuting the reformers.

There is a growing outcry over double standards in the treatment of council officials.

Mayor Jacob Mafume and Councillor Blessing Duma have come under heavy pressure for their strong anti-corruption stance, while known looters like Matthew Marara and former Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango remain untouched, despite their clear role in plundering public funds.  

The commission appears to be shielding individuals who procured luxurious, unsanctioned vehicles at the expense of taxpayers.  

Awarded themselves obscene perks while service delivery continues to deteriorate.

Openly admitted to working illegally, yet continue to operate within the council without repercussions.  

Meanwhile, those calling out these crimes are facing retaliation, with threats, administrative hurdles, and undue scrutiny.

Why is this pressure being applied to the reformers, while the looters walk free?

Commission Advocating for the Return of Criminal Elements.

One of the most shocking developments is that the Cheda-led commission is reportedly fighting for the resumption of duty of the very same corrupt officials who admitted to being at work illegally.

The Town Clerk and his so-called executive assistant don't even have valid contracts, yet they continue to operate with impunity.  

This is happening while Harare's service delivery is in shambles, with uncollected garbage piling up in residential areas.

-Massive potholes making roads almost impassable.
Erratic water supplies forcing residents to rely on unsafe boreholes.

Collapsing public transport infrastructure leaving commuters stranded.

Instead of addressing these urgent issues, the commission seems more focused on ensuring that the same criminals who crippled the city remain in power.  

A Bribe in the Form of Residential Stands?

The burning question remains, Where is this sudden pressure coming from?

There is growing suspicion that these malcontents have done what they do best - compromise the commission itself. Sources within the council allege that certain officials have enticed commission members with residential stands, acting as a Judas-like carrot bait to manipulate outcomes in their favour.  

There are reports of secret meetings held under the cover of darkness, where deals are made to protect looters and undermine reformers*. If these claims are true, it means the Cheda-led commission is no longer an independent watchdog but a tool for further corruption.  

Public Demands Action Before It's Too Late

Harare residents are now demanding:  

1. Immediate arrests and legal action against officials implicated in corruption.  
2. An independent audit to investigate whether commission members have been compromised.  
3. A stop to the reinstatement of known corrupt individuals into council positions.  
4. Support for reformers like Mayor Mafume and Councillor Duma, who have been consistent in exposing wrongdoing.  

The people of Harare deserve more than just public hearings and reports that lead nowhere. Unless the commission regains its credibility and takes swift, decisive action, it risks becoming just another smokescreen for corruption, enabling the looters to tighten their grip on power while the city crumbles.