False start to Chivayo trial

Zvikomborero Parafini

THE trial of Intratek Zimbabwe and its managing director, Wicknell Chivayo, failed to get underway yesterday.

The State indicated that it first needed to go through a letter, written to them by the accused, and come up with a position before trial resumes.

Chivayo appeared before magistrate Lazini Ncube, who subsequently remanded the matter to October 24, for trial commencement. In the letter gleaned by H-Metro, Chivayo, through his lawyers, said they were shocked to be summoned to court over the Gwanda Solar Project, claiming that preliminary work done at the site was conducted using the funds he received from Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC).

They said they were taken back why the National Prosecuting Authority was now preferring fraud charges, when the work was done to the satisfaction of ZPC.

They claim that the issue is a civil matter and the contract between Intratek and ZPC still stands, and is still valid.

The State, represented by Tafara Chirambira and Tendai Shonhai, indicated that they intend to do their due diligence before trial commences.