Suspended Guvamombe wants bail terms relaxed

Geraldine Zaranyika Herald Reporter
SUSPENDED chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe accused of criminal abuse of office, yesterday gave notice of his intention to seek relaxation of his bail conditions at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.

Guvamombe, through his lawyers —Advocate Sylvester Hashiti and Mr Jonathan Samukange — notified the court that he will file an application for permanent release of his passport and variation of other bail conditions.

He gave notice before Harare regional magistrate Ms Bianca Makwande.

Guvamombe is expected to file the application today.

Prosecutor Mr Zivanai Macharaga from the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) undertook to file his response by June 12.

If all the timelines are met, Ms Makwande will make a ruling on June 19.

Guvamombe stands accused offering work-related learning to former Cabinet ministers Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.

Kasukuwere and Mandiwanzira, who were law students at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), had pending criminal cases at the same court.

It is the State’s case that in November last year, Guvamombe received correspondence from the UZ seeking internships for the two law students.

Guvamombe allegedly authorised the attachment of Kasukuwere and Mandiwanzira by appending his signature and referred the correspondence to the deputy chief magistrate for action without any comments or reservations.