Wenslus Murape
Zvikomborero Parafini
THE fraud-accused ex-ZIFA bosses were back in court yesterday and were advised that their trial is set to resume next week following the dismissal of their bid for referral to the Constitutional Court.
Magistrate Taurai Manuwere dismissed their application ruling that it was frivolous and vexatious.
Former president Felton Kamambo, Philemon Machana, Stanley Chapeta, Joseph Mamutse and Bryton Malandule had accused the National Prosecuting Authority of harassing them through ‘lawfare.’
They said the NPA is insisting on prosecuting them despite indications from the Sports and Recreation Commission that they are no interested in pursuing the case.
They have since approached the highest court directly after their application for referral was dismissed.
Allegations are that on November 16, 2021, the SRC suspended the entire Executive Committee for gross incompetence and misappropriation of the association’s funds.
The legal consequence of the suspension of the Executive Committee was that they had no authority whatsoever to transact any business on behalf of ZIFA.
After the suspension and during the period between January 2022 and 2 February 2022, the accused persons, knowing fully well that they were on suspension, wrote various letters on ZIFA letterhead purporting to be ZIFA executive committee members.
The letters were signed by Mamutse, who purported to be the CEO, and were addressed to various members of the ZIFA congress suspending them from their positions.
Trial resumes on October 18.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter