Harare City Council (HCC) is under scrutiny as a commission of inquiry begins public hearings today. The commission, granted a warrant for the search and seizure of crucial documents, aims to investigate the city’s management and council since 2017. This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed the commission last month.
Harare provincial magistrate Dennis Mangosi approved the warrant on June 13. The commission, led by retired judge Justice Maphios Cheda, will scrutinize contracts of employment for key officials, including the town clerk and directors.
Simba Mabasa, acting officer commanding the Criminal Investigations Department’s commercial crimes division Northern Region, applied for the warrant. He is one of the investigators on the commission. “We intend to ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and efficient investigation into the governance of Harare City Council,” Mabasa stated.
Mangosi’s order directs HCC to provide contracts for all employees from director to town clerk. The warrant, issued under sections 49(b) and 50(1) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, mandates immediate action.
Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the warrant. “Yes, I heard of the search,” he said briefly.
The commission will investigate various issues, including financial mismanagement. Harare Residents and Ratepayers Trust director Precious Shumba expressed concern over the commission’s motives. “We are concerned with the hidden work being done by the police officers,” Shumba said. He questioned the need for a search warrant, suggesting it creates an impression of non-cooperation from HCC.
Reports indicate some top officials, like town clerk Hosiah Chisango, lack formal contracts. Human capital director Mathew Marara is reportedly working without a contract, using a self-drafted document.
The inquiry will review financial management systems, audit compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, and management of revenue from special vehicle companies and outsourced arrangements. The commission will also investigate HCC’s failure to operate an Enterprise Resource Planning system and quantify any resulting losses.
Additionally, the probe will examine the management and transfer of local authority properties to private entities. It will assess the convening of council meetings and adherence to standing orders and rules.
The commission’s findings are expected to shed light on Harare’s governance issues and provide a roadmap for improvements.
Source: Newsday
