Defence ordered to alter line of questioning

Development Minister Elton Mangoma from questioning PetroTrade chief executive officer Griefshaw Revanewako on legal issues.
Mangoma is accused of ordering Revanewako to award a US$6 million contract to NOOA Petroleum of South Africa to supply fuel without going to tender.
Defence lawyer Mrs Beatrice Mtetwa was cross examining Mr Revanewako on Government procurement legislation which allows one to buy without going to tender.
Mr Revanewako suggested to the court that Mangoma might not have known provisions of the Act.
He said as the procurement entity, PetroTrade was directed by the State Procurement Board on what measures to take.
Prosecutor Chris Mutangadura objected to the interrogation, saying it was not proper to inquire into legal matters which the witness was not fully versed with.
“He is a layman who is being asked legal matters. He had to follow the minister’s directive so he is not the one who waived tender procedures,” said Mr Mutangadura.
Justice Bhunu then directed Mrs Mtetwa to use other ways of questioning not linked to legal issues.
“Let us not delve into legal matters because he (Revanewako) is not schooled on them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the fourth State witness, PetroTrade finance manager Mr Tanaka Sikwila told the court that he transferred US$6,12 million from the Debt Redemption Fund to Mawhelere Trading of South Africa on the instruction of then Noczim acting chief executive officer Ms Mangezi.
Under cross-examination, Mr Sikwila told the court that he got to know about the supplier-agent relationship between NOOA Petroleum and Mowhelere from Mr Revanewako.
The trial continues next week on Monday with the State expected to lead testimony from State Procurement Board chairperson Mr Charles Kuwaza. – New Ziana.