TIMB boss nabbed over criminal abuse of duty

Zvikomborero Parafini

TOBACCO Industry Marketing Board registration supervisor and head of operations, Blessing Dhokotera, was yesterday hauled to court charged with criminal abuse of duty.

Dhokotera appeared before Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje.

He was accused of acting in connivance with Addington Chayima to register certain growers for the 2022/2023 season based on favouritism.

The State alleges the bias was towards contracted companies – Grandicore Tobacco Company and Petrana Tobacco Company.

The court heard that the duo registered several growers, under these companies’ data bases, even though they were not funded by them.

By doing so, they acted against their responsibilities and duties.

Dhokotera was released on $5 000 bail and ordered to surrender his passport and report to the police twice a week.

The case has been postponed until September 10.