adminDismissing Zenzo Sibanda’s appeal, Justice Cheda said the application lacks merit.
He said granting him bail would be tantamount to licensing him to make good his escape.
It was the judge’s ruling that with the seriousness of the case coupled with the overwhelming evidence and the high possibility of a long prison term, Sibanda was highly unlikely to avail himself for trial.
Sibanda’s lawyer, Mr Innocent Rujeko Mafirakurewa of Mlweli Ndlovu and Associates had argued that the seriousness of the offence was not enough reason for denying his client bail.
However, Justice Cheda noted that Sibanda’s modus operandi in the commission of the offences is the same and that large sums of money have been lost through his fraudulent activities.
“There is overwhelming evidence against the appellant (Sibanda) and in the event of a conviction he is likely to be sentenced to a long prison term,” said the judge.
Ms Nonhlanhla Ndlovu of the Attorney General’s Office had opposed bail arguing that Sibanda is a flight risk given the seriousness of the offences he is facing.
Sibanda (44), the director of DZ Construction Company housed at Bulawayo Centre, has not been formerly charged with eight counts of fraud involving ZW$226 868 and $40 409.
Allegations against him are that sometime in 2001 he defrauded Mr Douglas Matamande of ZW$226 868 under the pretext that he was going to acquire a residential stand for him in Emganwini but he failed.
Between February and October 2011, he allegedly used his deceitful methods and defrauded seven other people of $40 409.
Sibanda and his wife Thobekile Tshuma (30) have again appeared in court jointly charged with fraud.
They were remanded in custody to 12 March when their trial is set to begin.
Sibanda is also facing an additional seven counts of fraud all involving houses and another charge of making off without making payment after he allegedly ordered beer and drinks worth $56 while at a city hotel.
Online Reporter