4 hours Ago
Harare City Council's executive assistant to the town clerk, Engineer Matthew Marara, is reportedly on the verge of dismissal following his damning testimony before the Commission of Inquiry into the council's affairs. The situation was revealed during a hearing in which acting town clerk, Engineer Phakhamile Mabhena Moyo, was summoned to explain the circumstances surrounding Marara's alleged suspension. The Commission heard that Harare councillors felt betrayed by Marara's testimony and had purportedly passed a resolution to remove him from his position.
A letter suspending Marara was presented as evidence, but Engineer Mabhena Moyo revealed that he refused to sign it. "I did not sign the suspension letter because I felt that the timing was suspicious and the resolution was ambiguous," Mabhena Moyo told the Commission. Marara's previous testimony before the Commission accused Harare councillors of overstepping their roles by attempting to seize executive control of the council.
This claim reportedly angered councillors, leading to the push for his suspension. Earlier today, Marara testified before the Commission of Inquiry in a closed-door session, citing the sensitivity of the information he wanted to present. It is believed that this included details about the latest efforts to suspend him.
Marara had previously expressed concerns for his position, stating that he was “digging his own grave” by speaking out. His initial testimony exposed alleged misconduct within the council and the tension between its councillors and executive staff. The controversy highlights the growing friction within the Harare City Council as the Commission continues its investigation into allegations of corruption, maladministration, and inefficiency in the city's governance.
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