Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
HARARE City Council Acting Human Capital Director, Bosman Matengarufu, says some Councillors have been illegally acquiring Council-owned houses, which he has described as an abuse of Council resources by elected officials.
Testifying before the Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of Harare yesterday, Matengarufu said Councillors, who are not entitled to Council accommodation, were benefiting from the scheme and violating Council regulations.
He said the Councillors were unlawfully benefiting from municipal properties, which are meant for Council staff and not elected officials.
“Mayors, Councillors and Council chairpersons are not entitled to be given Council houses.
“Councillors should not benefit from Council accommodation, except under lease agreements.
“If Councillors are being allocated council houses, then that is pure corruption,” he said.
Matengarufu’s testimony shed light on a wider pattern of irregularities within the Council, including interference by elected officials in administrative matters.
He cited instances where Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume allegedly attempted to influence decisions which is not proper and outside the Mayor’s mandate.
“The Mayor engaged me regarding the suspension of Major (Matthew) Marara over job evaluation disputes.
“I told him that Marara does not report to me, and that it was the duty of the Town Clerk to handle such matters.”
Matengarufu said he was surprised by the Mayor’s involvement in the case.
