The bail hearing for Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, that was scheduled to take place in Harare today has been rolled over to tomorrow (Tuesday) the 29th of December 2020.
Mafume’s lawyer told reporters that the State prosecutors said they were unable to prepare their response because they received papers late due some administrative issues at their offices.
Mafume who was arrested for interfering with a state witness is being charged with criminal abuse of office for allegedly allocating Westlea stands on Council land to his sister, Rotina Mafume, and his Law Firm secretary, Rutendo Muvuti, without following the correct Council processes.
Meanwhile, the minister of Local Government and Public Works, July Moyo has suspended Mafume and his deputy, Councillor Luckson Mukunguma from their posts until their cases have been finalised.
Sources say a caretaker commission that will run the affairs of the council until 2023 is likely going to be appointed.
Mafume party, MDC Alliance is opposed to the arrest saying it was political in nature.
Recently, the party’s vice president, Tendai Biti, claimed that Mafume was arrested for exposing the capture of local governments by the central government.
