Mangoma gets bail

allegations of corruptly sealing a fuel deal with a South African company without going to tender, was yesterday released by the High Court on US$5 000 bail.
Justice Samuel Kudya ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove allegations that Mangoma would interfere with State witnesses and investigations.
Justice Kudya said the State failed to prove the link between the South African company mentioned in the letter purportedly written by Mangoma (NOOA) and the company that eventually supplied the fuel (Mowhlere).
“In my respectful view, the State case appears to me to be weak. It is not the type of case that would induce the applicant to abscond.
“It seems to me that in the absence of evidence that the applicant personally benefited from the deal, his actions were prompted by a national crisis.
“As minister responsible for energy, all Zimbabweans looked up to him to provide a quick solution to the problem.
“His well-meaning response to a national emergency may prove highly mitigatory.
“Courts accept that at times, paths to hell are often paved by good intentions.
“Those good intentions may prove highly mitigatory,” said Justice Kudya.
The judge said some of the witnesses relied upon by the State may properly be regarded as accomplice witnesses.
“The credibility of witnesses will assume prominence at the trial.”
Mangoma was ordered to continue residing at his Mt Pleasant home and report to Marlborough Police Station once a week until finalisation of the matter and surrender his passport at the Harare Magistrates’ Clerk of Court Office.
Mangoma was arrested last week for criminal abuse of office on allegations that he improperly authorised a US$5 million fuel deal between PetroTrade and NOOA. – CR.