Revealed: Suspended Harare Town Clerk Paid Over US$400 000 While Off Duty
Seventeen months after being suspended, Harare’s town clerk Eng Hosiah Chisango remains off duty — but not off the payroll.
The suspended Harare town clerk has reportedly received over US$400 000 while off duty. He continues to draw a full salary and executive benefits amid ongoing negotiations over his departure.
Mounting Salary Bill
According to the Herald, evidence presented by Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume before the Justice Maphios Cheda-led Commission of Inquiry revealed that Eng Chisango’s monthly package stood at approximately US$27 000, rising to about US$30 000 when benefits were factored in.
Although executive salaries were later trimmed by 20 percent, his earnings are understood to have remained above US$20 000 per month throughout the suspension period.
Financial estimates indicate that the city has paid out in excess of US$400 000 since September 2024 — a figure that has fuelled public frustration in a council grappling with limited resources.
From Arrest to Acquittal
Eng Chisango was suspended amid allegations linked to a multimillion-dollar street lighting project, contract irregularities and procurement concerns. He was arrested in connection with some of the accusations.
However, in February 2025, the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew the corruption charges, effectively clearing him in court.
Following the withdrawal of charges, he reportedly attempted to resume work but was not allowed back into his office.
Exit Negotiations Stall
City authorities later signalled their intention to part ways with the long-serving administrator, who has been with council for 34 years.
A negotiating team was set up to craft a severance agreement after his legal representatives indicated willingness to reach an amicable settlement. Nearly a year later, that agreement remains unsigned.
City spokesperson Mr Stanley Gama said a settlement document has been prepared and is undergoing legal review before finalisation.
New Chamber Secretary Warren Chiwawa said he is not involved in the talks and referred queries to the committee chairperson overseeing the process.
Residents Question Delays
The drawn-out impasse has drawn sharp criticism from residents’ groups, who argue that ratepayers are footing the bill for administrative indecision.
Combined Harare Residents Association chairperson Mr Reuben Akili said the prolonged suspension was draining funds that should be directed toward improving service delivery.
Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba described the situation as symptomatic of deeper governance challenges within council structures, warning that political tensions often leave residents paying the price.
Flipcash is Your Trusted PayPal & Crypto Exchange Partner in Zimbabwe — WhatsApp +263 77 163 9263
The post Revealed: Suspended Harare Town Clerk Paid Over US$400 000 While Off Duty appeared first on iHarare News.
