By Staff Reporter
Harare – A dramatic confrontation unfolded at Harare Town House on Tuesday as the embattled town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, defied his suspension and attempted to attend a council meeting.
Despite clear instructions to stay away from the workplace, Chisango ignored the order, leading to a chaotic confrontation with mayor Jacob Mafume.
Chisango, was previously arrested on corruption charges in July, is currently out on bail.
His suspension, issued on Monday, was based on a series of allegations, including awarding a US$9.2 million street lights tender to a blacklisted company, Juluka Enndo Joint Venture, and illegally renewing his own contract.
As Chisango entered the council chambers, confusion erupted among councillors.
Mayor Mafume intervened, ordering media personnel to be removed from the room to regain control of the situation.
Mafume confirmed Chisango’s suspension, citing allegations of procurement irregularities and contract violations.
“As you are aware in terms of the Urban Councils Act, when I take action against the town clerk I am required to notify the council either in writing or at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We have proceeded to use that section to suspend the town clerk whose letter is on record and has been served on him. He has received it.
“He is suspended until he answers to the charges we have levelled against him,” said Mafume.
Mafume emphasized that the suspension was taken “in terms of Section 6(1) of Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006 as read with Section 139(3)(a) of the Urban Council’s Act (Chapter 29:15).”
Last week, Mafume engaged in a heated verbal altercation with Chisango, following Chisango’s abrupt return to work after being released on bail.
Chisango’s reappearance was in direct defiance of a government order barring local authority officials from resuming their duties until they were fully exonerated from pending charges.
Chisango’s suspension is with pay and other benefits.
During the suspension period, he is prohibited from reporting for duty, entering any of the employer’s premises, or acting on behalf of the City of Harare.
