Harare Mayor Fined US$300 for Lying Under Oath

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has been fined US$300 for lying under oath during a commission of inquiry investigating governance issues at Town House since 2017. The commission, led by Justice Maphios Cheda, discovered that Mafume had falsely claimed a property on Coronation Road in Greendale, Harare, as his residence, when in fact it was a vehicle auction site.

During the inquiry, Mafume initially claimed his residence was two blocks away from the auction site, but Justice Cheda dismissed this explanation, stating that the mayor had misled the commission. Mafume later admitted to lying and apologized, taking full responsibility for his actions.

Justice Cheda sentenced Mafume to either a fine of US$300 or three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, provided he does not violate certain sections of the Commission’s Inquiry Act during that period. The judge acknowledged that Mafume’s embarrassment and media scrutiny were sufficient punishment, but emphasized that lying under oath undermines the integrity of the judicial system.

Despite the false testimony, Justice Cheda commended Mafume for providing clear and concise evidence on other matters during the inquiry. Mafume’s admission of guilt and apology were seen as a positive step, and the judge noted that the mayor was not being labeled as a habitual liar.