By George Maguhu
The Harare Commission of Inquiry, established by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to probe the city council’s affairs from 2017-2024, has been accused of turning its attention to caricaturing Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume over a residential address mix-up.
Critics suggest this is a calculated move within Zanu-PF’s diversionary playbook, designed to deflect attention from factional infighting where Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is gaining traction with his anti-corruption stance.
The emotional intensity of the Commission’s lead evidence, Tapiwa Fresh Godzi, towards Mafume during his testimony this week has raised eyebrows.
Some argue this is a deliberate attempt to create trending content, overshadowing Chiwenga and those vocally opposing the “2030 agenda.”
Yesterday’s events also fueled suspicion that Cheda was playing to the gallery, following Zanu-PF’s familiar script.
Cheda insisted that Mafume accompany the commission to 110 Coronation-Greendale, only to discover a vehicle auction company at the location.
Mafume attempted to explain he had made a simple error with the stand number, stating his correct address was 102 Coronation, just 100 metres away.
Cheda, however, refused to inspect the actual property, opting instead to play to the crowd.
This comes in the wake of veterans, led by Zanu-PF Central Committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s peaceful resignation.
Failure to do so, they warned, would leave Mnangagwa blaming himself as citizens would use the constitution to assist him to step down.
Geza and his group cited the intent to amend the constitution and extend presidential term limits for Mnangagwa to rule until 2030, rampant corruption, nepotism, tribalism, the failing economy, the collapse of social services like public health, and widespread disunity as reasons for their demand.
The war veterans’ anti-corruption message has reportedly resonated with Chiwenga.
While acting as President recently, Chiwenga seized the opportunity to condemn corruption, attacking unscrupulous business people – a swipe widely believed to be aimed at controversial businessman Wicknell Chivhayo, whom he is said to have referred to as “Chigananda.”
Renowned musician, war veteran, and Zanu-PF member Clive Malunga implored Zimbabweans to “keep their eyes on the prize”.
“All is not well. These are signs of a leadership riddled with cracks. Even the council itself is rotten to the core.
“While Harare City Council is rotten with corruption, and surely deserves to be investigated, this Mafume issue will not detract from the leadership crisis and cracks we have in the country any longer.
All Zimbabweans want change. People should remain focused on the main menu,” he said.
Malunga added that Zimbabweans were expecting a cabinet reshuffle, replacing underperforming ministers chosen without merit.
Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also weighed in, claiming the commission had “thrown professionalism out the window” and criticizing Godzi for personal attacks on Mafume and “grandstanding for the cameras.”
“This is an abuse of process! You don’t have to be a fan of Jacob Mafume to see that this line of questioning is ridiculous,” he said.
Pro-democracy and human rights activist Tapiwanashe Chiriga has launched a scathing attack on Godzi, describing him as being “out of his depth” due to his emotionally charged questioning of Mafume.
Chiriga argues that Godzi failed to give the witness a fair chance to respond, turning what should have been an important hearing into a heavy-handed interrogation.
“So much has been made of this 110/102 number by this prosecutor who looks clearly out of his depth. What is to be gained by the Commission in spending three days talking about addresses? Is the Commission not going to miss crucial stuff while pursuing this puerility? Competence?” Chiriga questioned.
On Wednesday, Mafume pleaded with Cheda to prevent his private residence from being splashed across the media, requesting an in-camera inspection for security reasons.
Cheda flatly refused, bizarrely comparing Mafume’s private residence to State House.
“Everyone knows where the President stays. We all pass through State House every day. In the interest of the rate payers, I have no power to stop the press,” Cheda stated.
However, Cheda had previously allowed other witnesses from the City of Harare, directors directly employed by the government through the Town Clerk’s office, to testify in camera.
For example, retired Major Mathew Marara testified before the commission behind closed doors.
