By Staff Reporter
Harare – A tense standoff erupted at Harare’s Town House last Monday when mayor Jacob Mafume and town clerk engineer Hosiah Chisango engaged in a heated verbal altercation that left council employees stunned.
Chisango, who had been absent from work since his arrest on corruption charges last month, returned to the office unannounced following his release on bail.
His reappearance sparked outrage from Mafume and several other councillors, who insisted he should be cleared of the charges before resuming his duties.
The conflict escalated when Mafume learned of Chisango’s return, in violation of a government directive.
The government directive prohibits all local authority officials facing corruption charges from returning to work until their cases were resolved.
“Chisango drove to the office in the morning as usual to report for duty and Mafume soon got wind that he was back at work,” said a source.
“This appeared to anger the mayor, who was visibly irate.”
Mafume reportedly sent a councillor to summon Chisango to his office, but growing impatient, he stormed out to confront the town clerk directly.
“It appeared Mafume didn’t want to meet behind closed doors . . . ,” the source added.
Tensions flared as Mafume accused Chisango of violating the government directive and demanded he immediately go on leave.
Chisango, taken aback by the mayor’s aggressive behavior, retreated to his office and barricaded himself inside.
A group of councillors allied to Mafume gathered in the corridor, calling for Chisango’s removal.
Chisango eventually agreed to take official leave, the duration of which remains unclear.
Mafume declined to comment on the matter, and attempts to reach Chisango were unsuccessful.
Source – The Sunday Mail