Mzembi to know fate on discharge bid in corruption case
Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi will know his fate this Tuesday when the High Court is expected to hand down its ruling on his application for discharge after the State closed its case recently. Mzembi is in custody on allegations of corruptly abusing his office during his time as Tourism minister. High Court judge Justice […] The post Mzembi to know fate on discharge bid in corruption case appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
Black News 
Former cabinet minister Walter Mzembi will know his fate this Tuesday when the High Court is expected to hand down its ruling on his application for discharge after the State closed its case recently.
Mzembi is in custody on allegations of corruptly abusing his office during his time as Tourism minister.
High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero is presiding over his case.
Prosecutor Beaven Muravanhema closed the State’s case after calling the fourth witness, investigating officer Eric Chacha, who told the court that Mzembi breached government protocols when he donated public viewing screens to three churches: Walter Magaya’s Prophetic and Healing Deliverance Ministries, Emmanuel Makandiwa’s UFIC, and Nehemiah Mutendi’s ZCC.
Chacha said donations made to government departments had Treasury approval, but the church donations had no concurrence from the Ministry of Finance.
Mzembi’s lawyer, Emmanuel Samundombe, told journalists that they were confident that he would win the case.
“The essential elements of this application (for discharge) are that the evidence led so far does not warrant placement of the accused person to his defence,” Samundombe said.
Mzembi is accused of abusing his authority by donating screens allegedly worth US$2 million without following proper procedures. He maintains the donations were consistent with government policy and approved processes.
Three witnesses testified when his trial opened.
They gave evidence that appeared to largely exonerate Mzembi, telling the High Court that under Zimbabwean law, a minister is not an accounting officer and cannot personally donate or dispose of government property without officials following prescribed procedures.
The post Mzembi to know fate on discharge bid in corruption case appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.
