Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu and fellow councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu have abandoned their bid for bail, as their defence team continues cross-examining the State’s key witness, a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) official.
The development came during the continuation of their remand proceedings at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, where the defence was still putting questions to the Zacc official who is central to the State’s case.
The two councillors, together with former councillor Alderman Rodney Jele, are facing allegations of extortion linked to a businessman who allegedly sought their intervention in a dispute involving the Bulawayo City Council.
The decision by Cllr Edwin Ndlovu and Cllr Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu not to pursue bail at this stage means they will remain in custody as proceedings continue.
The State alleges that the accused persons used their positions and influence to allegedly demand money from the complainant.
The defence has been probing the evidence of the Zacc official, particularly the circumstances surrounding the investigation, the allegations against the councillors and the evidence gathered by the anti-graft body.
The continuation of the cross-examination is expected to shed further light on the State’s case before the court determines the next stage of the proceedings.
The three accused persons were initially arrested following investigations by Zacc into allegations of extortion.
More to follow…
