Story by Peter Chivhima
THE trial of former Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Douglas Karoro resumed this Thursday, with the first state witness testifying.
Karoro is facing allegations of fraud related to the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
It is the State’s case that between March and April last year, Karoro allegedly diverted 700 bags of fertiliser and maize seed worth US$18 000 and 5 000 vegetable combo kits from the Presidential inputs scheme valued at US$73 300.
Called to testify this Thursday, State witness, Widon Chiodza nailed Karoro and his accomplices stating that he gave the accused US$10 000 for fertiliser, adding that he was not aware that he was dealing with a criminal syndicate.
However, Karoro through his legal team represented by Mr Admire Rubaya distanced himself from the alleged offence, arguing that it is Chiodza who connived with his truck drivers to steal Presidential Inputs from Mushumbi Grain Marketing Board Depot using his name.
Karoro also queried why Chiodza failed to lodge a complaint with the police after passing through more than 12 police stations and three police roadblocks from Mushumbi until he got to Harare only to disclose the information during investigations.
The trial will continue this Friday with the state expected to call the second witness to the stand.
