Chaos erupts as suspended Harare town clerk rocks up at council meeting, chucked out by mayor

By Darlington Gatsi

DRAMA unfolded at the ordinary council sitting at the Harare Town House on Tuesday as embattled town clerk Hosiah Chisango showed up for the meeting despite terms of his suspension stating he is not be allowed to attend the workplace (council) or carry out any duties unless directed to do so.

Chisango was suspended by Mayor Mafume Monday due to a series of allegations that have been levelled against him which include awarding a street lights tender to Moses Mpofu’s blacklisted company and renewing his contract indefinitely without the required authorisation.

The beleaguered town clerk who was arrested in July on allegations of corruption and the abuse of office is currently out on bail.

Chisango showed up at the Council meeting much to the confusion of councillors. Media personnel were removed from the council chambers as Mafume attempted to control the situation.

When the council resumed the ordinary meeting Chisango was absent.

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• Harare mayor suspends embattled town clerk Chisango over several incidents of “serious misconduct”
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Mafume confirmed Chisango’s suspension citing allegations related to procurement and irregular awarding of contracts.

“As you are aware in terms of the Urban Councils Act, when I take action against the town clerk I am required to notify the council either in writing or at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We have proceeded to use that section to suspend the town clerk whose letter is on record and has been served on him. He has received it. We discussed the importance of that letter which understood. He is suspended until he answers to the charges we have levelled against him.

“The charges are well articulated in the letter, they have to do with procurement issues that they were arrested under they have to do with the issue of ERP, the organogram of the organisation,  they have to with his contract as the town clerk,” said Mafume.

Chisango reportedly awarded himself an open-ended contract together with Mathew Marara without the approval of the council and the local government.

Chisango’s name has been recurring at the ongoing retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda Commission of Inquiry which is probing the operation of the City Council since 2017.

Mabhena Moyo is the acting town clerk.