Tensions at the Harare City Council have escalated dramatically amid allegations that a top official almost manhandled mayor Jacob Mafume during a heated argument
The incident is linked to recent massive pay cuts for executives and the scrapping of Mathew Marara’s controversial position, which angered him.
The dispute between Mafume and Marara stemed from a council decision to reduce salaries for its top executives.
Marara’s position of “executive assistant town clerk” was formally scrapped by the Ministry of Local Government, leading to the cessation of his salary.
According to sources, Marara has not been reporting for work despite continuing to receive pay.
The drama began to unfold two weeks ago at a strategic workshop in Mutare, where Marara attended and introduced himself as the assistant to the town clerk.
Mafume publicly questioned who had invited him, as his position was no longer recognised.
The tension came to a head again last week at a follow-up workshop in Kadoma.
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After Mafume dressed the official down during the meeting, an angry Marara allegedly followed the mayor and attempted to manhandle him.
“After the workshop, Marara confronted Mafume and attempted to manhandle him,but councillors that were present intervened to calm the situation,” a source said.
“Marara later apologised to Mafume for the fracas.”
Mafume confirmed the incident when contacted for comment.
“It's true the Local Government ministry has reduced the salaries of top executives and on the question of Marara, what I know is his position as the executive assistant to the town clerk has been scrapped by the government,” Mafume said.
Mararara was not reachable for comment as he was not answering his mobile phone.
Marara is not new to controversy.
Two years ago, he was accused of forging documents to create a lucrative position for himself as executive assistant town clerk without proper approval.
The role earned him a salary just 10% less than that of the town clerk.
He was also previously questioned during a commission of inquiry about a US$329 000 compensation payout he received following a 2020 suspension related to corruption allegations over residential stands.
