Mandiwanzira seeks release of his passport

By Staff reporter | 07 May 2019 at 21:23hrs
Mandiwanzira
The trial of former ICT, Postal and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira kicked off this Tuesday at the Harare Magistrates Court with the accused seeking the release of his passport.

Meanwhile, MDC Alliance legislator Charlton Hwende's application for removal from remand has been dismissed.

Mr Mandiwanzira through his lawyer Thembinkosi Magwaliba has filed an application seeking the release of his passport.

Mandiwanzira is facing allegations of criminal abuse of office for appointing his personal assistant Tawanda Chinembiri to the board of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).

It is alleged that during that time Chinembiri received $35 000 in allowances.

Representing Mandiwanzira, Advocate Magwalimba argued that his client's business cannot be hamstrung by the court's decision and he must be allowed to go for his medical check-ups in India which are due next month.

Through his lawyer, Mandiwanzira revealed that his business is in jeopardy since he is failing to travel outside the country.

Mandiwanzira will be back in court this Wednesday (tomorrow) for ruling.

Meanwhile, Harare magistrate Hosea Mujaya postponed the trail of former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi as the prosecutor presiding over the case Brian Vhito had other commitments.

Mzembi is being jointly charged with Aaron Mushoriwa and Suzanna Makombekuhudzayi facing criminal abuse of office and fraud allegations.

In another case, Harare magistrate Barbara Mateko dismissed an application by MDC legislator Charlton Hwende seeking his removal from the remand.

In her ruling, however, magistrate Mateko said his application is premature.

Appearing for state Sebastin Mutizirwa said the accused person is before the courts because of reasonable suspicion and his case is a complex one which needs experts to analyse his twitter message.

In his defence through his lawyer Advocate Harrison Nkomo opposed the ruling saying the accused person has been in the hands of the state for two months hence he must be allowed to exercise his constitutional rights.

It is the state's case that during the period extending from 28 December 2018 to 31 December 2018, Hwende posted on his twitter handle, messages that had the effect of inciting citizens to revolt against government.

The matter has been postponed to 11 June for continuation of trial.

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