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Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has been fined US$300 for providing false testimony during a commission of inquiry investigating governance issues at Town House since 2017.
The commission, led by Justice Maphios Cheda, recently visited a property on Coronation Road in Greendale, Harare, which Mafume had claimed as his residence. However, investigators discovered that the address—110 Coronation Road—was actually a vehicle auction site, contradicting the mayor’s statement.
When questioned, Mafume then claimed his actual residence was two blocks away, but Justice Cheda dismissed this explanation, stating that the mayor had misled the commission.
Realizing his mistake, Mafume admitted to the falsehood and issued an apology.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologize to the commission for the misleading information. I have since provided the correct details,” he said.
Justice Cheda ruled that Mafume must either pay a US$300 fine or face three months’ imprisonment, with the sentence wholly suspended for five years—on the condition that he does not violate Sections 13 or 14 of the Commission’s Inquiry Act within that period.
“In consideration of the circumstances, you are sentenced to a fine of US$300 or three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, provided you do not commit further violations under the Commission’s Inquiry Act,” Justice Cheda stated.
He also acknowledged the public scrutiny Mafume had faced since the incident, noting that media exposure had already served as a significant consequence.
