Harare Correspondent
Harare’s mayor, Jacob Mafume, has officially suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango due to a series of alleged misconducts, including the controversial awarding of a streetlighting tender to a company that has been blacklisted.
The suspension took effect on September 30 and is with pay and benefits.
Chisango is facing serious corruption allegations related to a US$9.2 million streetlighting deal awarded to a company owned by jailed businessman Moses Mpofu. Chisango was arrested in July 2024 and subsequently released on US$500 bail on September 17.
In a letter detailing the reasons for Chisango’s suspension, Mafume stated,
“The employer has a good cause to believe that you have committed a serious misconduct in that you contravened Section 4(a) of the National Code… You misconducted yourself in the procurement and award of a tender for streetlights to Jukula Enterprises in that you awarded the contract to a blacklisted company which had a record of breaching its tender obligations.”
Mafume further elaborated,
“You have failed one of your primary functions as the accounting officer which is to protect the council’s interest.”
This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations against Chisango, particularly regarding the financial implications for the council.
Additionally, Chisango has been accused of neglecting to secure effective Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software for managing the council’s billing and accounting systems over the past five years. Mafume noted,
“As the Accounting Officer, you have failed to secure an effective Enterprise Resource Planning (‘ERP’) Software… This has resulted in failure to carry out statutory audits, to obtain timeous budget approvals and also has led to adverse reports by the Auditor General.”
The Town Clerk is also under scrutiny for allegedly extending his contract indefinitely after its expiration in July 2023 without proper authorization. Mafume pointed out,
“You effected changes to the council organogram and structure by appointing senior council officers to Grades 1, 2 and 3 without Council Authority… In doing so you abused your authority and also undermined the authority of Council and the Local Government Board.”
During the suspension, Chisango is prohibited from visiting his workplace. The letter specifies,
“During the period of your suspension, you shall not be allowed to attend the workplace or carry out any duties unless directed to do so by the Mayor.”
Furthermore, he is instructed not to interfere with council staff or witnesses involved in the ongoing investigation.
Zim GBC News©2024