adminTendai Rupapa Harare Bureau
THE trial of suspended Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation chief executive Happison Muchechetere failed to resume yesterday after his lawyers successfully applied for postponement because they are not ready.Muchechetere is facing charges of corruption over the importation of a ZBC OB van from China.
Through his lawyer, Keith Kachambwa, Muchechetere notified the court of his intention to file an application for exception to the charge.
He is arguing allegations by the state do not constitute an offence.
Muchechetere, who was initially charged with fraud, had his charges altered to contravening sections of the Procurement Act. He allegedly bought an audio outside broadcasting van (OB van) from China without going through a formal tender.
Yesterday, he appeared before regional magistrate Hoseah Mujaya, but the trial failed to start after Kachambwa said they were yet to file their defence outline.
He said they were having challenges in securing documents from China which they want to use during trial. “We also intend to make an application for exception and we will file written submissions by Monday next week and the state can respond by Friday of the same week,” the lawyer said.
The state led by Beaven Murevanhema and Farai Zachariah opposed the application.
Murevanhema said the defence was given ample time to prepare for trial. He accused Muchechetere’s lawyers of willingly delaying proceedings.
The state alleges that on January 18 last year, Muchechetere without going through a formal tender, entered into procurement agreement to purchase an audio outside broadcasting van (OB Van) with the China National Instruments Imports and Exports Corporation at a price of $1,050,000.
In the agreement, Muchechetere was representing ZBC as the accounting officer. On June 28, Muchechetere concluded the purchase deal alone which resulted in the Chinese firm issuing a commercial invoice and the OB van was delivered on August 8.
derick.khumalo