Kagonye given more time to pay restitution

Zvikomborero Parafini

CONVICTED former Minister of Public Service and Social Welfare, Petronella Kagonye, successfully filed an application seeking more time to pay restitution yesterday.

Kagonye was sentenced to 36 months in prison for stealing laptops, meant for vulnerable schools, in her Goromonzi constituency.

Of the 36 months, 12 were set aside on condition that she doesn’t commit a similar offence, involving dishonesty, in the next five years.

Eight more months were set aside on condition she pays restitution worth of the stolen laptops, which is US$10 000, on or before August 31.

In her application made by her lawyer, Rungano Mahuni, Kagonye told the court that she did not have time to secure the money.

“Accused is seeking more time to pay the restitution that the court ordered.

“The main reason being that the applicant hasn’t had time to put in place funds to pay what the court ordered.

“She made an application for bail, pending appeal, at the High Court and the ruling was reserved, and two months later, it is still reserved and she hasn’t been able to know her fate regarding the bail,” he said.

The State didn’t oppose the application and presiding magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti granted the application and extended the time to pay to October 31.