
Harare Mayoral Councilor, Jacob Mafume, has stormed the office of City Clerk, Engineer Hosea Chisango, after his unexpected return to work.
Engineer Chisango, accused of corruption, has been released on bail. “It seems that (Cllr) Mafumi does not want to meet behind closed doors…,” a source told the Sunday Mail. Cllr Mafume then confronted Engineer Chisango in the corridor. The mayor is also believed to be angry at recent testimony by the town clerk before Justice Chida’s commission of inquiry, which is currently investigating corporate governance failures at the Harare City Council since 2017.
Engineer Chisango implicated council members in corrupt activities that cost the city millions. Tensions flared when council officials met, and senior council members were forced to intervene to prevent the situation from getting worse. Waving leave application forms in Engineer Chisango’s face, Mayor Mafumi insisted that he go on leave immediately.
Ng Chisango, stunned by the mayor’s aggressive behaviour, then retreated to his office and barricaded himself inside. Shortly afterwards, a group of councilors allied with Cllr Mafume gathered in the corridor, demanding the sacking of Engineer Chisango. “There was a feeling that this was a coordinated effort to oust Engineer Chisango and prevent him from uncovering further corruption within the council before the investigation committee concluded,” the source said.
After a short retreat in his office, Engineer Chisango finally agreed to take an official leave.