Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
CHEGUTU magistrate Ms Evelyn Mashawakure today released former Deputy Minister of Information Bright Matonga from remand on two cases involving allegations of stealing farming implements and vandalising electrical transformers.
She acquitted Matonga on the basis that the State had failed to provide a trial date within a reasonable timeframe.
The complainant, Mr Van Breda and the arresting officers in the alleged theft case were not forthcoming.
Ms Mashawakure also dismissed the charge related to the alleged vandalism of Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) transformers due to the State’s failure to provide a trial date, nearly a year after Matonga’s arrest.
The complainant, who is a fellow farmer, has not been available for the proceedings.
Matonga’s lawyer, Mr Innocent Muchini of Muchini and Associates, confirmed that his client was now a free man.
“He is now a free man and has been reimbursed his bail amount. He will no longer be required to report to the police,” he stated.
The State may, however, proceed by way of summons if it wishes to pursue the cases. Mr Tafadzwa Vhore prosecuted.
