Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, who oversaw the controversial demolition of homes in Belvedere last year, is now facing a situation where he could become the subject of similar action.
During a hearing at the Commission of Inquiry led by retired Judge Justice Maphios Cheda, City of Harare inspector David Wadarwa revealed that he would recommend demolishing unauthorized renovations at Mafume’s Belvedere property.
Mafume, it appears, has converted his private residence into a hostel, which violates council regulations.
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He acknowledged the mistake, admitting he did not apply for the necessary “change of use” permit.
In his testimony, Wadarwa struggled under questioning about his role in inspecting Mafume’s property.
When asked why he approved renovations that did not match the original plans, Wadarwa responded that he considered it normal to approve changes after the fact, although he later admitted the process was an error.
Wadarwa explained that he was pressured to rush through the approvals, even forging dates, completing all six inspections in a single day.
In response to his errors, Wadarwa stated he would recommend the demolition of the unauthorized alterations and inform his superiors.
Despite admitting the violations, Mafume is hoping to regularize the situation by exploiting a loophole in the regulations.
However, City of Harare’s Acting Director for Urban Planning, Samuel Nyabeza, dismissed this possibility, expressing doubt over the legitimacy of the inspections and stating that Mafume must return the property to its original residential status.
Mafume is reportedly out of the country but is expected to return next week to address the commission.
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