Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO deputy mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, Ward 28 councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu and former Ward 22 councillor Rodney Jele have been remanded in custody to Tuesday for a ruling on their bail application in a US$52 000 extortion case.
The trio appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Isheunesu Matova on Monday for their initial court appearance following their arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
They are facing allegations of demanding and receiving US$52 000 from a local businessman.
The defence opposed the State’s bid to keep the trio in custody, arguing that the State case was weak and that there were insufficient grounds to justify their continued detention.
Cllr Ndlovu and Cllr Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu are represented by Mr Kholwani Ngwenya, while Jele is represented by Mr Prince Butshe Dube. The State is being represented by Mr Milton Moyo.
However, the State opposed bail, arguing that the accused were likely to abscond, interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence if released.
The State said the seriousness of the allegations, coupled with evidence linking the accused to the offence, created a risk that they could evade trial.
The State also argued that the accused were familiar with potential witnesses, including council employees, and could use their positions and influence to interfere with witnesses or manipulate evidence before the matter is heard.
The State further alleged that during their arrest, Cllr Ndlovu locked himself inside an office at his private business, Gracious Driving School, forcing investigators to engage a locksmith to gain entry.
Mr Moyo also told the court that the accused had pending cases before the courts, although none of them had previous convictions.
The trio arrived at court in the morning, but proceedings only commenced after lunch.
Their bail ruling was deferred to Tuesday.
The latest arrest has brought renewed scrutiny on Cllr Ndlovu, barely a year after he was acquitted in a high-profile corruption case.
