Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
The High Court in Bulawayo has overturned the conviction of Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) president Cde Tafadzwa Munodawafa, acquitting her of charges of theft of trust property.
The ruling was delivered yesterday by Judge Munamato Mutevedzi, with Justice Ngoni Nduna concurring, following an appeal against a conviction at the Magistrates’ Court.
EUZ says the judgment brings finality to the case.
In a statement, EUZ Secretary General Mr Tapedza Zhou said the acquittal was a clear vindication of Cde Munodawafa’s innocence and proof that the allegations were flimsy, malicious and politically motivated.
“This judgment confirms what we have always maintained that falsehoods and cooked up charges cannot withstand judicial scrutiny,” said Mr Zhou.
He said the case formed part of a sustained campaign by opposition aligned actors and their proxies to destabilise the union and force it into partisan political battles.
“EUZ is apolitical and no amount of political intimidation or proxy warfare will alter this position,” said Mr Zhou.
“Attempts to hijack the union for political ends have consistently failed.”
Mr Zhou cited previous efforts to undermine EUZ, including what he described as the weaponisation of the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC), the suspension of the union’s bank accounts, and attempts to interfere with its deduction code and practising certificate.
“Now that these efforts have failed, it is time for sobriety and unity among educators,” he said.
He urged union members to remain calm and united, warning against misinformation designed to cause confusion and despondency.
“EUZ remains the number one teachers’ union, firmly committed to the welfare, dignity and professional advancement of educators,” said Mr Zhou.
He warned teachers against being drawn into partisan politics.
“Those who wish to pursue opposition politics are free to do so elsewhere, but EUZ is not, and will never be, an appendage of any political party,” said Mr Zhou.
Mr Zhou also warned former union members who, he said, were seeking to discredit current leadership.
“No genuine comrade celebrates the incarceration of another,” he said.
“Character assassination does not build lasting reputations hard work and integrity do.
