Harare Mayor’s Testimony Marred by False Residence Claim

By Loyd Matare

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has found himself at the center of controversy after misleading the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry into Harare’s affairs about his place of residence.

During his testimony, Mafume claimed to be temporarily residing at 1110 Coronation Road in Greendale, stating that his house in Belvedere was being renovated. However, when the Commission visited the address, they discovered a vehicle auction site, not a residential area.

“This is an undeveloped stand. The only immovable structure which is embedded in the soil is an office structure. Certainly, it is not the residence,” said Judge Cheda.

Mafume later acknowledged that he had provided the wrong address, despite initially insisting it was correct. “I did give the address as 110. It was my error. I stay in this same street on 102, I would want to invite the Commission to pass by my house,” Mafume said.

The Commission’s findings have raised questions about Mafume’s credibility and the transparency of his testimony. The inquiry is investigating allegations of corruption and incompetence within the Harare City Council, which have negatively impacted service delivery.