Masvingo town clerk Edward Mukaratirwa is allegedly refusing to occupy his office, saying he feared that its furniture is bewitched.
Mukaratirwa recently returned to work after charges of alleged abuse of office raised against him were withdrawn.
According to sources within the council, Mukaratirwa has taken over the boardroom where he is conducting official business. Mukaratirwa has allegedly insisted that he will only return to his designated office if the council procures new furniture to replace the “cursed” property.
“Ever since he returned to office he has never used his old office citing that it was bewitched and will only use it after the council bought new furniture,” a council source said.
“He is using the boardroom to conduct his work business.”
Mukaratirwa remained resolute when contacted for comment, and questioned where the reporter obtained the information.
“I will not risk my well-being. Where did you get that information from?” asked Mukaratirwa before he hung up.
Meanwhile, city fathers have taken a dig at the town clerk whom they accuse of making outrageous demands.
“We are shocked and perplexed by these claims,” a councillor said.
“As a public institution, we cannot be held hostage by individual beliefs or superstitions.
“We urge the town clerk to prioritise his duties and serve the people of Masvingo.”
The development has sparked debate among residents, with some criticising the town clerk's demands as unprofessional and unreasonable.
"This is a clear case of dereliction of duty, taxpayers deserve better from public servants," a resident Bennett Muromo said.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association director Anoziva Muguti questioned Mukaratirwa’s commitment to his duties.
“If it is true that the town clerk is now working from the council boardroom and refusing to use his office, citing unreasonable demands for new furniture, and then this raises serious questions about his priorities and commitment to serving the community,” Muguti said.
Mayor Aleck Tabe was unreachable for comment yesterday.
Mukaratirwa was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission in July this year on charges of criminal abuse of duty and fraud, which were subsequently withdrawn.