Harare, Zimbabwe | In a dramatic sweep by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume and former Harare South legislator Shadreck Mashayamombe have been taken into custody.
The arrests, which occurred late Wednesday, have sent shockwaves through the capital’s political landscape. While ZACC officials have confirmed the detentions, the specific charges leveled against the two high-profile figures remain under wraps.
A History of Legal Troubles
This is not the first time Mayor Mafume, a prominent member of the opposition, has found himself in the crosshairs of law enforcement. In 2024 and throughout early 2025, Mafume appeared several times before a Commission of Inquiry investigating local government corruption, land leases, and the alleged disappearance of millions from city coffers. Just last year, he faced accusations regarding a US$200,000 bribe involving Quill Associates, though he has consistently maintained his innocence, citing political persecution.
Shadreck Mashayamombe, a former ZANU-PF provincial political commissar and Harare South MP, also has a storied political past. Mashayamombe was a key figure during the 2017 transition and has been previously embroiled in various land dispute allegations in the Harare South constituency.
Mounting Pressure on City Hall
The arrests come at a time when ZACC has intensified its focus on the capital. Recent data suggests that Harare accounts for over 70% of all corruption cases investigated by the commission nationwide.
The commission is expected to release a formal statement within the next 24 hours detailing the nature of the allegations. Sources close to the investigation suggest the charges may be linked to:
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Illegal Land Allocations: Historically a flashpoint for both Mafume and Mashayamombe.
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Mismanagement of Council Funds: Specifically regarding recent audit reports that flagged “ghost” payments and missing millions.
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Abuse of Office: Allegations often leveled against municipal leaders during land-use rezoning.
What This Means for Harare
With the Mayor behind bars, the city faces a potential leadership vacuum. This arrest follows a series of suspensions and legal battles that have plagued Mafume’s tenure, often resulting in “revolving door” leadership at Town House.