Mafume too powerful : Chisango
...calls for probe on source of Mayor's power
KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI
Suspended Harare Town Clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango has sensationally accused Mayor Jacob Mafume of leading a cartel and wielding unconstitutional powers to fire officials for personal aggrandisement.
Chisango, who was suspended by Mafume last month over a number of allegations including corruption and abuse of office that reportedly prejudiced the metropolis of millions of dollars had no kind words for the Mayor who he described as too powerful and abusing that power to suspend officials at will.
He was testifying before a Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to probe suspected cases of financial mismanagement and corruption.
He revealed that 18 officials were suspended by the mayor, including Chisango himself and Acting Director of ICT William Mugobogobo.
“There is a lot of corruption within the council with some councillors acting as cartels improperly influencing the adjudication panel. This has led to contracts being awarded to unqualified individuals for the ERP system,” Chisango said.
The commission pressed Chisango on why the City of Harare, one of the largest entities, is operating with so many officials in acting capacities, noting that this situation creates risks for the council.
“I am surprised to see so many officials in acting roles. This is not healthy for any organization,” one commissioner remarked.
Chisango responded : “When you see a place filled with acting officials, it typically means that there is someone who has been suspended.”
“I am also suspended. The Mayor has been dismissing many officials. I am not friends with Mafume and he seems to hold excessive powers that are not constitutional.”
Justice Maphios Cheda, chairperson of the Commission, ordered evidence leader Thabani Mpofu to investigate why Mafume appears to have consolidated such power.
However, Mafume hit back at Chisango saying he “must be mature and stop the blame game.
“The individuals making these claims in the commission are the same people who should have implemented mechanisms to address these loopholes,” Mafume told Business Times.
“He should act maturely. If there are issues, we will work together to address them as a council.”
There has been bad blood between Mafume and Chisango amid accusations and counter accusations.
