Mafume Warns of Security Lapses at Harare Town House

Jacob Mafume

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, has raised an alarm over serious security lapses at Harare Town House, warning that unauthorised individuals are freely accessing offices of senior officials and roaming the premises without checks. Speaking during a meeting with council officials, Mafume described the situation as a “ticking time bomb” that could expose the local authority to criminal activity. He said suspected land barons and other visitors are able to move around the municipal headquarters without being questioned by security personnel.

“You will be laughing with them at Town House and you expect us to smile? We do not tolerate such things. Let’s deal with access to Town House,” Mafume said.

Mafume warned that if the security lapses are not urgently addressed, the council could soon face serious incidents such as robbery or other security breaches.

“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 said. “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.”

He stressed that tighter access controls are needed to restore order at the building and protect officials and staff. According to Mafume, only councillors and senior management should have unrestricted access to the premises, while other visitors should enter only for official business. He also raised concerns that some individuals arrive at Town House early in the morning and remain on the premises before officials report for duty, sometimes disrupting operations.

The mayor’s warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of land-related disputes involving the Harare City Council. A recent dispute in Newlands led to the arrests of Rosemary Muronda and former Shadreck Mashayamombe. During the controversy, Mafume himself was questioned by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission following a complaint from Marvis Java. Java alleged she had been sold a non-existent commercial stand in an upscale Harare suburb.

Meanwhile, tensions are also rising between the city council and residents over the rollout of smart water meters. During a meeting organised by the Community Water Alliance, residents criticised the council’s priorities, arguing that authorities should focus first on fixing infrastructure losses. Goodlife Mudzingwa, national coordinator of the alliance, said nearly 60 percent of Harare’s treated water is lost through leaks and ageing infrastructure. Mudzingwa also pointed out that the smart meter programme is being financed through a Chinese loan.

“For example, we can help you sue Harare City Council,” he told residents, urging them to pursue legal avenues if they feel the project is unfair.

The ongoing disputes highlight growing tensions between city authorities and residents over governance, service delivery, and transparency in Harare.

Jacob Mafume security warning