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Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
FORMER Harare City Council acting human capital director Matthew Marara reportedly received over US$350 000 compensation for the period he was suspended without pay on corruption charges, although he asserts this was US$131 000.
Mr Marara yesterday appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into Harare City Council’s affairs chaired by retired Justice Maphios Cheda.
He was called to try and untangle allegations that he had resigned, then rescinded his resignation in order to claim the large amount of back pay, or at least take advantage of the missing letter of resignation.
Mr Marara was being questioned over his alleged resignation in 2020 and return to council in 2023.
Evidence presented before the commission suggested that Mr Marara resigned after his suspension, but then backtracked in 2023, claiming that he had never resigned from council and was still a council employee.
It is alleged that he took advantage of the missing resignation letter to maintain his assertion of unbroken service.
Mr Thabani Mpofu, who is leading evidence from witnesses appearing before the commission, said the information obtained showed that Mr Marara received US$350 000.
However, Mr Marara denied the claims that he had resigned.
He said council agreed to pay him US$131 000, not US$350 000, with US$116 000 already paid out for the 30 months he was absent.
Online Reporter