Nyanga South legislator Supa Mandiwanzira has complained over the alleged inefficiency of the state which failed to furnish him with court papers, only to serve him a few minutes before the commencement of trial today.
This resulted in the trial of the former ICT minister failing to kick-off today as his lawyer Brian Hungwe, demanded time to go through the state papers as well as engage their witnesses, some of whom he said were out of the country.
“Why should the state’s inefficiency affect the accused person.
“The state has failed to furnish us with papers until an hour before the court seats and for that we oppose to trial commencing today,” said Hungwe.
He added that the accused person was given a trial date on his initial appearance with the court promising to give papers to the defense council within a week which they failed to do.
However, State Prosecutor Michael Chakandida instructed by Tapiwa Godzi opposed the postponement of trial though he admitted to the ‘inefficiency’ arguing that delays in furnishing state papers was beyond his control.
“Indeed papers were given to the defense this morning because it was beyond his control as a trial prosecutor.
“Its worthy noting that the accused was brought to court on 7 November on a request for remand form and investigations were to be completed and trial was set for today,” he said.
However, magistrate Francis Mapfumo ruled that Mandiwanzira’s trial should commence on 18 December, charging that the state should be efficient in delivering papers needed by the accused person.
Mandiwanzira was arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office after he allegedly single-handedly awarded an over $5 million consultancy services contract for NetOne to a company linked to him
