Harare Suspends Chief Security Officer Over Unlawful Possession Of Firearm
Harare City Council (HCC) has suspended its chief security officer Dr Collen Tongoona pending investigations into allegations that he unlawfully took possession of a council firearm from the municipal police for personal security.
Tongoona went on paid leave from June 30 for carrying the council firearm, pistol number 1291668 without authority or approval from his boss. He now has to stay on leave until the matter has been resolved. He also has to be available for potential disciplinary inquiries and hearings.
Acting chamber secretary Mr Warren Chiwawa said the firearm was intended for cash in transit duties and for protection of council premises not for the personal security of officials in the municipal section.
In a letter seen by The Herald, Mr Chiwawa was also worried about the security of the pistol. He said in a letter to Tongoona:
Furthermore, it is alleged that you then exposed the firearm to insecurity and possible abuse when your son gained access to pistol serial number 313337 that was being kept together with the council firearm pistol number 1291668, to commit the offence of pointing firearm.
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There was a high possibility of council firearms being used to commit offences due to insecure keeping by yourself notwithstanding that you had obtained it illegally without due authority.
The council has a policy, reinforced by a directive from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, that all employees facing criminal charges must not be allowed to report for work until the matter is finalised.
While on paid leave he was expected to be accessible but was forbidden to his workplace or other council premises, unless with the express approval from his boss.
