Seke-Chikomba senator, councillor acquitted

fertiliser meant for Operation Maguta to the parallel market in 2009, have been acquitted.

Magistrate Ms Gloria Takundwa cleared Sen Mabhiza and Masimba Rubatika on the basis that the State had failed to prove the allegations. It was alleged that the pair forged an application for inputs using details of a local farmer, Mr Mutami Zishiri, without his consent and collected 20 tonnes of compound D and 10 tonnes of ammonium nitrate.

Mabhiza instructed Rubatika to collect the fertiliser and diverted it to Waterfalls. They sold the fertiliser for US$50 per 50kg bag.
Rubatika sold 208 bags of fertiliser before receiving another 160 bags, which he converted to his personal use.

The two shared the proceeds, with Mabhiza getting US$1 200, according to the indictment papers.