MUTARE – Mutare Acting Town Clerk, who is also the city’s Director of Health Services – Anthony Mutara – has been suspended from work and has since been barred from visiting his workplace pending finalization of his criminal court case.
Mutara is facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer and is out of custody on $40 000 bail. He is expected to be back in court on October 6 2021.
Mutara was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission early this month and he is alleged to have corruptly recruited Geanor Ndlovu by backdating the letter of appointment and forging the signature of the former Town Clerk, Joshua Maligwa, who is deceased, purporting that he had authorized the appointment whilst he was still employed by Council.
“I am satisfied that it is not in the best interests of the City Of Mutare as your employer that you continue working before the conclusion of your criminal trial into the allegations against you,” wrote Acting Town Clerk – Tinashe Mutetwa in a letter of suspension on September 27.
“There is a risk that your presence will hinder effective investigations …. In view of the aforementioned considerations and in accordance of section 140 (3) of the Urban Councils Act, I hereby suspend you from your office and require you leave your work of place…”
Mutara will be receiving his full salary and benefits.
