NEW: ZIFA board members’ fraud trial continues despite SRC’s withdrawal

Nyore Madzianike

THE Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) last year wrote a letter to the Prosecutor General withdrawing, as a complainant, from the case where the former Zimbabwe Footfall Association board led by Felton Kamambo allegedly misused the organisation’s letterheads while on suspension.

Kamambo, Phillemon Machana, Stanely Chapeta, Joseph Mamutse and Bryton Brighton Malandule are appearing before Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Taurai Manwere charged with fraud.

The five allegedly wrote various letters on ZIFA letterheads, suspending members of the ZIFA congress at a time when they were already suspended from their positions.

Testifying as a State witness, SRC acting director general Sebastian Garikai confirmed that they wrote a letter on June 14, 2023, informing the PG of their decision to withdraw from the case.

Although he did not reveal the reasons behind the withdrawal, Garikai told the court that the SRC did not want to pursue the criminal matter.

“Mindful of provision of Section 260 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, we write to advise that the Sport and Recreation Committee no longer considers itself a complainant in the above matter.

“The letter was written by the SRC chairperson,” he said.

Garikai told the court that they only acted on sentiments raised by Kenny Ndebele, Wellington Mupandare and Xolisani Gwesela without further verifications.

In his testimony, Garikai acknowledged that they did not verify whether Mamutse signed the letters as alleged by the State.

Kamambo and his co-accused are expected back in court on October 31 for trial continuation.

Mr Oscar Madhume prosecuted while Mr Admire Rubaya appeared for Kamambo and his co-accused.