Harare City council official dodges jail time for ...

Harare City council official dodges jail time for lying about qualifications

Zim Now Writer

Takudzwa Dzumbunu, chairperson of Harare City Council's Works and Town Planning committee, narrowly escaped jail time after misleading the Commission of Inquiry about her academic qualifications. Justice Maphios Cheda's commission reprimanded Dzumbunu for falsely claiming to hold a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Public Administration from the University of Zimbabwe.

Dzumbunu's troubles began when she failed to produce her degree during an October hearing. Under further questioning by lead investigator Thabani Mpofu, she admitted to lying about her qualifications. "I do not have (the degree)... I had one course I had not finished, so I did not graduate. My apologies for misleading the Commission," she said.

This isn't Dzumbunu's first brush with controversy. She was previously detained for contempt during an earlier appearance before the Commission.

The Commission of Inquiry has raised concerns about the qualifications and competence of some Harare City Council officials. It appears that several are underqualified for their positions, sparking worries about the council's effectiveness.

Justice Cheda imposed a $300 fine on Dzumbunu for lying under oath. "You are sentenced to pay a fine of $300 or six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition that you do not contravene sections 12, 13, and 14 of the Commission of Inquiry Act," Cheda stated.