Online Reporter
Tafara Chibanda
THE Commission of Inquiry looking into the affairs of the City of Harare has denied issuing an apology to Mayor Jacob Mafume, who is currently giving evidence before the panel.
Retired Justice Maphios Cheda, who is leading the Commission, dismissed reports circulating on social media, and in some media houses, which claimed they had apologised to the mayor.
“We would like to put the record straight that this Commission has not directly or indirectly made any apology to the mayor or any other witness, who has given evidence before us,” he said.
He also warned those who were deliberately trying to intimidate, threaten, or influence the people who are involved in the inquiry.
“These false reports are designed to influence the thinking of all those charged with investigations and the determination of this Commission,” he said.
“We would like to make it clear that this Commission will not yield to any such whims and caprices by those who are desirous to derail this process.
“The members of the press are advised to report correctly and professionally.
“In as much as the press has the freedom to report, they should do so properly, because if they overstep the mark, there is a danger that they will be visited with litigation.”
Cheda assured the public that no conclusions have yet been made regarding the evidence presented before the Commission.
“The people of Zimbabwe, and specifically the residents of Harare, are entitled to the truth.
“We have not made any determination about any evidence laid before us,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
