HARARE City Council (HCC) executive assistant Mathew Marara has accused senior officials within the municipality of allegedly orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his reputation and create discord between him, mayor Jacob Mafume and the suspended town clerk Hosiah Chisango.
Marara said the accusations against him, which include claims of self-promotion and misuse of council resources, are part of a co-ordinated effort to undermine him.
He maintains that his actions are fully backed by council resolutions and lawful processes.
Among the allegations, Marara is accused of unilaterally promoting himself to the non-existent position of executive secretary and using council funds to acquire a US$300 000 executive vehicle.
He is also alleged to be receiving two salaries by holding two roles simultaneously as executive assistant to the town clerk and acting human capital director.
Through a letter addressed to acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, Marara’s legal team, Lunga and Mazikana Attorneys, insisted that their client has followed all proper protocols and that the accusations against him are baseless.
“Our client has been operating within the law, and all actions taken were in line with council resolutions,” the lawyers stated.
They refuted claims that Marara had been appointed to his position by Chisango, clarifying that all decisions regarding Marara’s appointment, reinstatement and compensation were duly approved by the council.
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According to the lawyers, the continued silence from the council suggests a plot to pressure Marara into resigning, an act they described as “constructive dismissal”.
“Our client believes there is a deliberate effort by certain senior officials to force him out and this amounts to constructive dismissal,” the letter read.
He said that his suspension in 2020 was related to various allegations, many of which have been dismissed by the courts.
He added that his current presence at Town House was authorised by the town clerk’s office.
“On June 12, 2023, our client wrote to your office requesting to resume his duties and receive his rightful salaries and benefits. On June 15, 2023, your office granted this request, allowing him to return as Executive Assistant on June 19, 2023,” the lawyers said.
They further noted that Marara was directed to resume his role as acting human capital director on July 5, 2023.
Marara denied ever receiving a Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 series or any vehicle from the council.
He raised concerns that someone might have used his name to procure the vehicle, calling for an urgent investigation.
“Our client has never been provided with a vehicle by the council. He uses his personal vehicles for both work and personal matters. This matter must be thoroughly investigated,” the lawyers said.
Mabhena Moyo yesterday refused to comment on the matter, adding that he had forwarded Marara’s letter to the city’s legal team.
