Staff Reporter

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo has declared the office of the Mayor of Harare vacant following the termination of Jacob Mafume’s membership from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after he re-joined the Citizen’s Coalition for Change (CCC).

This was revealed by Minister Moyo through a letter of notification to the Harare Town Clerk, “I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the PDP party stating that the following Councillor (Jacob Mafume) has ceased to be a member of the party through automatic termination of their membership as they have joined CCC,” read the letter.

Making reference to the country’s constitution Minister Moyo said, “In terms of Section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with section (1) (k) ward 17 is now vacant.

In terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, please proceed to inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of this vacancy,” concluded Minister Moyo.

Meanwhile, Mafume tenure as the Mayor of Harare was marred by allegations of gross misconduct, gross incompetence and wilful violation of the law, after he arranged the allocation of Westlea stands to his sister and a secretary at his law firm as well as bribing a potential key witness in the matter.  It appears the dissolution of his position came at an opportune time to correct the damage that has been done to Harare by corrupt city fathers.