Mwonzora’s case postponed

applied for a postponement.
Mwonzora, a lawyer and Copac co-chairman, cited his commitment at the constitution-making process, as the reason why he sought a postponement.
He is being accused of defrauding a Masvi-ngo widow, Mrs Elizabeth Mary Adams (55), of her plot worth ZW$350 million in 2005.
He is being charged along with his client Alfred Muchini, who allegedly bought the disputed plot and Philip Shumba.
The three also face another charge of fraud after they allegedly fraudulently obtained a Capital Gains Tax Clearance Certificate and presented to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority a different Memorandum of Agreement of Sale with a reduced purchase price of Z$150 million.
The actual price of the house was Z$350 million, according to the State.
In this case, the State alleges that Zimra was prejudiced of Z$30 million in unpaid tax, in terms of the law, after the trio evaded paying Zimra from the Capital Gains Tax Clearance Certificate, which they acquired in the sale of the property.
On Monday, Mwonzora appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi, who granted the application and deferred the trial to June 13.
In a letter to the courts, Mwonzora requested postponement to enable him to participate in the national programme.
“Copac has reached a critical stage in the constitution-making process and his services are needed if the process is to go smoothly.
“Preparations for the convening of the thematic committees are at an advanced stage and his services are crucial.
“The Global Political Agreement singles out the constitution-making process as one of the milestones that have to be accomplished before elections can be held,” the letter read.
The State did not oppose the application.
It is alleged that the Adams family sold their four-and-half-hectare plot to in Glynham, which belonged to their late father Elvin Roy Adams, to Muchini.
It is alleged that the money was placed in a trust account pending finalisation of the deal.
Mwonzora allegedly drew up the agreement of sale. A week later Mrs Adams tried to get her money but the account was over drawn.
In August 2005, Mwonzora – representing Muchini – successfully obtained an eviction order against the Adams from the plot even though she said she had not been paid.