Suspended Harare Town Clerk Still Receiving US$27,000 Salary Despite Expired Contract

Suspended City of Harare town clerk, Hosiah Chisango, continues to receive a substantial monthly salary of US$27,000, along with other perks, even though his contract has expired, sources have disclosed.

During a full council meeting on Friday, councillors questioned human capital director Bosman Matengarufu about why Chisango and other senior officials were still enjoying large salaries while service delivery in the city remained poor.

Council housing committee chairperson, Blessing Muroyiwa, accused Matengarufu of withholding critical financial details when asked to reveal how much executive salaries were costing the municipality.

“How can some individuals be earning between US$15,000 and US$27,000 per month while the council claims it lacks funds for essential services?” Muroyiwa asked.

Matengarufu dismissed claims of excessive salaries, stating they were exaggerated. However, he did not provide a pay schedule to support his argument.

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume challenged Matengarufu’s denial, accusing him of being dishonest.

“I have the pay schedule, and it aligns with the commission of inquiry’s findings,” Mafume stated. “One individual earning US$27,000 per month means they receive US$270,000 in just 10 months.”

Mafume confirmed that he intended to submit the salary records to the commission of inquiry as proof of how senior executives were depleting municipal funds.

A source at Town House accused Matengarufu of working closely with top officials, including Chisango and assistant town clerk Matthew Marara.

“Matengarufu appears to be aligned with senior executives, which raises questions about why he approved payments for Chisango despite his contract having expired,” the source claimed.

In May last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a commission to investigate corruption and mismanagement at the municipality. The commission has since completed its inquiry, with its findings set to be submitted to Mnangagwa for further action.

Several witnesses testified before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led commission, exposing how the city was losing millions due to corruption, poor governance, and revenue leakages.

Matengarufu, who also appeared before the commission, claimed that his life was in danger due to his efforts to restore order within the council.

He alleged that his food had been poisoned twice in apparent retaliation for his investigations. Additionally, his office was reportedly broken into, with several key documents implicating officials in corrupt activities mysteriously disappearing.

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