Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has revealed why he did not report the US$4.5 million from the Harare Quarry. Seven years have passed since the money allegedly disappeared from Harare Quarry, one of the business entities owned by the Harare City Council. Yet, the council has failed to formally report this suspected embezzlement to the police, raising questions about accountability and governance within the city’s leadership.
Mayor Jacob Mafume Testifies Before the Commission
On Thursday, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume appeared before the Commission of Inquiry into the Harare City Council’s affairs, chaired by retired judge Maphios Cheda. The commission is investigating allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement in the council, including the activities of Harare Quarry.
During his testimony, Mayor Mafume admitted that the funds allocated to Harare Quarry had been misappropriated. However, he revealed that no formal police report had been filed regarding the missing millions. This admission comes despite allegations that the funds were part of a loan exceeding US$4.5 million, which was advanced in 2017 to recapitalize the business unit.
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The Timeline of the Missing Funds
Since 2018, Harare Quarry has failed to submit its financial accounts to the council. After suspicions of financial irregularities surfaced, a forensic audit was reportedly conducted. The audit revealed evidence of financial misuse, yet no official police complaint has been lodged.
When questioned by evidence leader Mr Tapiwa Godzi, Mayor Mafume confirmed he was aware of the missing funds and alleged the quarry’s former management stole them. However, when pressed about whether a police report had been filed, the mayor initially expressed uncertainty. Following a brief recess, he clarified that the matter had been reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) in September of the previous year.
Accountability and Actions Taken
Mayor Mafume explained that the alleged embezzlement occurred before he assumed office. He assured the commission that the city council had addressed the issue, including replacing the management at Harare Quarry and passing resolutions directing the town clerk to recover the funds and make necessary reports.
“We have changed the management at the quarry. We have made resolutions in council directing the town clerk to make those particular reports and to recover the money”
The mayor further noted that ZACC’s involvement might have been initiated independently or through a whistleblower. Justice Cheda emphasized that a police report should also have been filed and urged the mayor to follow up actively with ZACC to ensure progress.
