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Fungai Lupande Harare Bureau
FORMER Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma, who was accused of flouting tender procedures during his time in the inclusive government, was yesterday acquitted.
Allegations were that Mangoma,54, hand-picked OK Zimbabwe as the third party pre-paid electricity vendor after ordering cancellation of a ZETDC tender.
Harare magistrate Hoseah Mujaya ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against Mangoma.
“There were two sets of witnesses. The first half said Mangoma’s conduct was criminal while the other half said there was nothing criminal.
“There was not enough evidence that the court can place him on his defence.
“However, Mangoma alleged that he was being persecuted because of his political beliefs, his fear of political persecution is imaginary.”
There was jubilation and clapping from Mangoma’s Renewal Democrats Party of Zimbabwe members after the handing down of judgment.
Mangoma of 25 Pendennis Road in Mt Pleasant, Harare, was represented by Beatrice Mtetwa.
He was facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.
The complainant was the State Procurement Board (SPB) represented by its principal officer Cledwyn Nyanhete.
It was alleged that in August 2012, ZETDC floated tender number ZETDC 13/ 2012 for the appointment of third party pre-paid electricity vending. The closing date was October 2 the same year.
On September 17, 2012, Mangoma directed ZETDC accounting officer Julian Chinembiri to cancel the tender.
Furthermore, Mangoma allegedly ordered Chinembiri to hand pick OK Zimbabwe for the pre-paid electricity vending without going to tender.
derick.khumalo