Marara pushes back, alleges $300k vehicle scandal ...

Marara pushes back, alleges $300k vehicle scandal is a smear campaign

Zim Now Reporter

Harare City Council executive assistant Mathew Marara has accused senior officials of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage his reputation and create discord between him, Mayor Jacob Mafume, and suspended Town Clerk Hosiah Chisango.

Marara is facing allegations of self-promotion, misuse of council resources, and holding two positions simultaneously, unilateral self-promotion to a non-existent position and used council funds to acquire a US$300,000 luxury vehicle, charges he denies.

In a letter to acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo, Marara’s lawyers, Lunga and Mazikana Attorneys, refuted the allegations, stating that their client’s actions were in line with council resolutions. They dismissed claims that Marara was appointed by Chisango, asserting that his appointment and compensation were duly approved by the council.

“Our client has been operating within the law, and all actions taken were in line with council resolutions,” the lawyers said. They also accused certain senior officials of attempting to force Marara to resign, labelling the actions as "constructive dismissal."

Marara, who was suspended in 2020 over multiple allegations, many of which were later dismissed by the courts, said he returned to his role with the town clerk’s approval in June 2023. He denied receiving a Toyota Land Cruiser LC300 or any other council vehicle, raising concerns that his name might have been used in a fraudulent procurement.

The acting town clerk declined to comment, stating that Marara’s letter has been forwarded to the city’s legal team for review.