Online ReporterZvikomborero Parafini
FORMER ZIFA president, Felton Kamambo, and other members of his recalled executive — Philemon Machana, Stanley Chapeta, Bryton Malandule and Joseph Mamutse — were back in court on Friday where they filed a bid refusing further remand.
The five appeared before Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje.
The State, represented by Anesu Chirenje, sought a postponement of the matter, which was opposed, and they countered with an application for refusal of further remand.
“We placed the State on notice that if they aren’t ready for trial today, the matter ought to be removed from remand.
“The State’s house is in disarray in this matter because the accused persons were arrested on 14 February and unsolicited, the State indicated that investigations would be completed on 12 March.
“It’s a matter about letterheads the State is alleging these accused aren’t proper representatives of Zifa,” said their lawyer Admire Rubaya.
“The State is allowing themselves to be abused by those close to the corridors of power but FIFA and CAF told them that they don’t accept that they have banned the accused person, that’s why the State are now developing jelly legs.
“In the court of public opinion, they are viewed as thieves, but those who invaded ZIFA House are the thieves.”
He warned that there will be no international football for Zimbabwe until FIFA directives to reinstate them are adhered to.
Rubaya complained that his clients were being harassed by the State yet there is no progress in the investigations and prayed that they be removed from remand.
Presiding magistrate Stanford Mambanje ordered the State to summon the investigating officer to court and explain why investigations aren’t complete yet.
The matter will be back in court on August 14.
Mathew Masinge