Category: zimbabwe

Source: Ex-minister Chombo off the hook | Newsday (News)

The case of former Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo has collapsed after the State indicated that the critical policy document that forms the basis of his criminal abuse of office charge went missing during the November 2017 military coup which toppled the late former President Robert Mugabe.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

Chombo was charged with criminal abuse of office after facilitating the sale of a government house in Mutare to ex-Zanu PF legislator for Mutare, Fred Kanzama. He was, however, removed from remand by regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya after he had given the State the last chance to bring the document.

But prosecutor George Manokore told the magistrate yesterday that he could not secure the crucial document requested by Chombo since there was no handover takeover in the ministry.

“Your worship, we could not secure the policy document. The investigation officer had approached the ministry in question and they requested some time saying they could not locate the policy document since that ministry was separated into two ministries,” Manokore said.

“The permanent secretary indicated that there was no handover takeover of the ministry, so some documents might not be located easily. We are not sure if we will get the document and as the National Prosecution Authority, we do not have that document.”

Manokore then asked for a long remand of a month to April 17 to enable them to approach the ministry directly, but Chombo’s lawyer Lovemore Madhuku objected to the postponement, saying the court had given the State enough time to search for the document and his client must be removed from remand.

“The fact that the State cannot find the document, which is the centre of the charge, means the accused persons should not have been brought to court in the first place. The policy document has not been there to enable the accused person to plead and prepare his defence outline. All we are seeking is to be removed from remand,” Madhuku said.

Mujaya declined further remand.

Allegations are that sometime in 2000, Joyce Munamati, who was acting provincial registrar for Manicaland, and Kanzama were involved in a relationship, which resulted in the two having a son, but they were not staying together.

During the same period, Munamati is said to have then occupied a government house, which was reserved for provincial registrars for Manicaland province.

On March 1, 2000, Munamati allegedly signed a lease agreement which was entered into between her and Chombo’s ministry at Mutare Provincial Public Works for the occupation of the said house.

The State avers that sometime in 2007, Munamati, being a sitting tenant and a government employee, submitted an application to then acting provincial public works officer to purchase the house and the application was forwarded to the Local Government secretary with no objection to the request.

Chombo allegedly gave verbal instructions that the house be sold to Kanzama.

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The ban on major football stadia in Zimbabwe is threatening to put the football sector in limbo. With major African tournaments underway, it means the country has no other option but to seek alternative stadia outside the country. The question everyone is asking right now is for how long with the standoff between CAF-ZIFA continues? Also, what does it means for the country’s football body, especially with AFCON and CHAN qualifications underway? Well, if you have been following the ongoing CHAN qualifications, PA lottery bonus code gives you a chance to bet on the biggest sporting and casino events around the world.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe situation is being closely monitored by CAF and FIFA. Failing to upgrade the country’s stadium could see ZIFA disbanded by CAF with express authority from FIFA. Even worse, Zimbabwe may lose their place in future football tournaments despite qualifying for this year’s CHAN amidst challenging circumstances.

Government’s Ultimatum to ZIFA

In the wake of a stalemate between ZIFA and CAF, the Zimbabwean government has issued ZIFA with an ultimatum, demanding a comprehensive financial statement of the funds it receives from FIFA and the government. In recent years, ZIFA has been rocked by financial mismanagement, something that contributed to the deplorable state of the stadia in the country. Theft of money meant to develop football infrastructure and talents in the country always end up in final pockets. And now, the government, through legislators is calling for the disbandment of ZIFA, should it fail to comply.

Another concern by the government is that ZIFA has not been advising it about the standoff with CAF, yet it is the country’s football management body. Several MPs are, therefore, calling for dissolution if ZIFA to pave way for investigations. However, some are opposed to the idea, saying it would not only affect players in different leagues around the world but also disrupt current football calendar in the country.

A quest for stadia outside the country

Despite an ongoing battle pitting ZIFA against the Zimbabwean government and CAF, reports indicate that the Zimbabwean Warriors will play their 2021 qualifier match in Orlando, South Africa. For most people, the turn of events is unexpected because since the standoff with CAF began, ZIFA has been reiterating its commitment to ensuring all AFCON qualifier matches are played in the country.  It is reported that ZIFA CEO signed the agreement with South African counterparts.

CAF Snubs Stadia inspection invites

There are reports that ZIFA gambles may fail to persuade CAF to inspect ZIM stadium because the state of the playgrounds has not improved.  The ban placed on Zimbabwe’s stadia means the country cannot host international soccer games. This comes in the wake of reports that Barbourfields, which has been under renovation, may soon meet conditions set by CAF. The game between the Warriors and Algeria set to be played in Orlando Stadium, officials say, will go as planned. For now, it remains unclear if CAF will heed to calls by ZIFA to visit the country after many failed attempts to convince Africa’s football governing body.

The post CAF-ZIFA Standoff: What Ban On Local Stadia Means for Zimbabwe Football appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

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