tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
THE High Court will next month hear arguments from lawyers representing the State as well as former Cabinet Minister Prisca Mupfumira and ex-Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Permanent Secretary Ngoni Masoka on whether Justice Munamato Mutevedzi should continue presiding over the trial.
Mupfumira and Masoka are being charged with two counts of criminal abuse of office as public officers and another count of corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal.
The duo allegedly misappropriated National Social Security Authority (NSSA) funds worth US$90 000, which was earmarked to purchase a Toyota Landcruiser.
They also reportedly approved the use of NSSA funds to pay Mupfumira’s air tickets, including accommodation for Mupfumira’s relatives to attend a wedding in South Africa.
High Court Judges Justice Pisirayi Kwenda and Justice Benjamin Chikowero on Tuesday set July 11, 2023, as the date when they will hear arguments on whether Justice Mutevedzi can still proceed with the matter.
Justice Mutevedzi presided over the matter while he was still the Chief Magistrate, before being elevated to be judge.
Advocate Thabani Mpofu and lawyer Mr Admire Rubaya, who are representing Mupfumira, want the matter to start afresh before a new magistrate, while the State is arguing that there is no legal barrier that stops Justice Mutevedzi to continue with the trial.
Four State witnesses had already testified in the matter.
Bongani Ndlovu