KEY POINTS
- Mathew Marara allegedly forged documents to secure a senior position.
- The Ministry of Local Government did not approve Marara’s promotion.
- Marara is also under scrutiny for receiving $329,000 in compensation after a corruption suspension.
A top Harare City Council official, Mathew Marara, is accused of forging documents to create a lucrative position for himself without going through the proper approval process. Marara, the city’s human capital director, reportedly awarded himself the title of executive assistant to the town clerk. This move, according to sources, was done without the required permission from the Ministry of Local Government.
Council insiders say Marara had his sights set on becoming the town clerk after the arrest of Hosiah Chisango, the former holder of the position. However, Harare City Council councillors blocked the promotion, throwing Marara’s plan into disarray. Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, the director of water, has since been appointed acting town clerk.
Controversial move raises questions
According to NewsDay. Marara restructured the city council’s job grades to secure the position without going through interviews or the Ministry’s approval. An insider noted, “One wonders why he appointed himself without proper interviews or approval from the Ministry of Local Government.”
In another questionable move, the head of public safety, who traditionally reports to the chamber secretary, is now said to report directly to Marara. This shift has further raised eyebrows within the council.
Council’s response
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed the situation, stating that the matter is under investigation. “We have directed the acting town clerk to write to the Ministry of Local Government for guidance,” Mafume said, treating it as a human resource management issue. Despite repeated attempts to contact him, Marara has not responded to inquiries.
Marara’s actions have drawn increased scrutiny, especially in light of other controversies he’s been involved in. Recently, he was questioned during a commission of inquiry over a large payout he received. The US$329,000 compensation was granted to Marara after a suspension in 2020, related to corruption charges during his time as housing director. Marara and other senior officials had been suspended amid allegations of corruption tied to residential stands.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into Marara’s conduct is part of a broader probe into corruption within Harare City Council. President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a commission of inquiry earlier this year to investigate council operations, which has since uncovered numerous scandals involving millions of dollars in mismanagement.
