Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has raised a red flag over serious security breaches at Town House, warning that unauthorised individuals are freely roaming the premises and gaining access to senior officials' offices.
Mafume describedthe current situation as a “ticking time bomb” for criminal activity.
His warned followed a high-profile land dispute that rocked the council, including a recent altercation in Newlands that led to the arrest of deputy mayor Rosemary Muronda and former Harare South MP Shadreck Mashayamombe.
At the time Mafume was questioned by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
The arrests were triggered by a complaint from Marvis Java, who alleged she was sold a non-existent commercial stand in an upscale suburb.
Addressing council officials, a concerned Mafume expressed alarm over the ease with which suspected land barons are navigating the city’s headquarters.
“You will be laughing with them at Town House and you expect us to smile? We do not tolerate such things,” Mafume said.
“Let’s deal with access to Town House”.
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He warned that if security lapses are not urgently addressed, the City of Harare could soon fall victim to serious crimes, including robbery.
“People walk until they get into the town clerk’s office, the chamber secretary’s office, and the mayor’s office while you are standing there," he added.
"You do not ask what they are looking for, and there is no search. What if they are carrying dangerous weapons? We cannot run an office like that”.
Mafume emphasised the need to restore “sanity” to the premises.
"Let’s deal with that. Some see themselves as officials, but if you are not a councillor or management, the time for electioneering will come and you can campaign then," he said.
He said some individuals arrive at Town House earlier than officials, causing disruptions and engaging with staff.
Meanwhile, tensions are simmering over the council’s rollout of smart water meters.
At a meeting facilitated by the Community Water Alliance (CWA), residents voiced dissatisfaction, accusing the city of misplaced priorities. CWA national coordinator Goodlife Mudzingwa criticised the council for focusing on billing rather than fixing dilapidated infrastructure.
“What beats logic is that Harare loses non-revenue water at nearly 60%," Mudzingwa said, noting the project was funded by a loan from China.
He urged residents to use legal channels.
“I urge all of you with grievances about the prepaid meters to use the rightful channels,” Mudzingwa said.
“For example, we can help you sue Harare City Council”
