Story by Peter Chivhima
THE High Court has dismissed former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi’s application for discharge at the close of the State case, clearing the way for his trial to proceed to the defence stage.
Mzembi had approached the High Court on February 3 seeking to be discharged, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case in allegations of criminal abuse of office involving the donation of LED television sets.
The application followed the close of the State’s case, after four witnesses, including investigating officer Mr Eric Chacha from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, had testified.
However, Justice Benjamin Chikowero ruled that Mzembi has a case to answer and dismissed the application.
Speaking after the ruling, defence lawyer Mr Emmanuel Samundombe confirmed the next step.
“Today we were here in court where we were seeking the discharge of our client at the close of the State’s case. Unfortunately, our application has been dismissed, so we are now proceeding to the defence stage,” he said.
Mzembi was arrested last year on allegations of criminal abuse of office involving television sets worth US$200 000, which he allegedly donated to three churches.
Prosecutors allege the total prejudice amounts to US$2 million funds reportedly allocated to the then Tourism Ministry for the purchase of television sets for 40 fan parks intended to promote tourism during the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa.
The trial is set to continue on 3 and 4 March, when Mzembi is expected to open his defence.
