The ex ICT minister and Nyanga South legislator Supa Mandiwanzira is trying by all means to avoid standing for trial by making an application totally devoid of merits application for exception, state has said.
Prosecutor Tapiwa Godzi and Michael Chakandida from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special prosecuting unit today opposed to Mandiwanzira’s application saying that he (Mandiwanzira) had no right to act in the manner which he did in the Netone $4 million scandal.
“The defense’s application is totally devoid of merits, the accused pressurized NetOne to pay the $4 million to Megawatt a company which he, the accused person chose himself. He had no right to do so and the application for exception is only meant to delay court proceedings.
“The application was made to delay finalization of this case where the state case is strong.
“The accused is trying by any means to delay or stop commencement of trial and at the same time making efforts to regain his passport held by the clerk of court through the variation of bail conditions,” the State responded.
However, Mandiwanzira said Megawatt was engaged on a pro bono basis, but the state insisted that he pressured NetOne to pay $4 000 000 for the services rendered.
“Letters of demand were directed to NetOne by Megawatt Company.
“Again no procurement procedures were followed, no written contract was recorded, the potential prejudice suffered by the State shows that this is a case where procurement procedures were flawed,” reads part of the State’s response.
Mandiwanzira who was arrested on allegations of abuse of office after awarding a tender to Megawatt without following due procedure is on bail out with conditions of submitting title deeds of a property worth $100 000 as surety, reside at the given address and not to interfere with state witnesses.
