Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is under investigation after his testimony before the Harare City Council Commission of Inquiry raised serious questions regarding the accuracy of his statements.
The inquiry, which aims to investigate the affairs of the Harare City Council since 2017, took a surprising turn this Tuesday when it was revealed that Mafume had misled the Commission about his place of residence.
During the Commission’s inspection, it was discovered that the address Mafume initially provided — 110 Coronation Road in Greendale — did not match his actual residence. The property was found to be a business premises, belonging to Mr. Pukwa, who operates an auction business there.
Upon this revelation, Mafume shifted his statement, claiming the correct address was 102 Coronation Road, a nearby property. He explained that his initial claim was an error. However, this change in testimony has raised eyebrows, especially since reports suggest that Mafume bought the property at 102 Coronation Road last year, raising suspicions about his intentions to conceal his true place of residence.
The Commission, which was established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to investigate local governance and accountability, has made it clear that providing false information is a serious offense. The Commission emphasized that Mafume’s testimony regarding his residence was misleading, further complicating the mayor’s credibility.
As the Commission continues its investigation, the implications of Mafume’s misstatement could extend beyond the inquiry, with potential legal consequences for giving false testimony. Mafume is expected to appear again before the Commission this Thursday, where further questions are likely to be raised about his actions and the broader governance issues within the Harare City Council.
The inquiry’s findings will continue to be closely watched, as they could have significant repercussions for both the mayor and the Council.
