Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau Chief
THE trial of convicted former Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Jason Machaya and provincial planning officer, Chaisayanyerwa Chibururu and six other Government officials starts on February 14.
Machaya and Chibururu who are already serving a 30-month jail each for criminal abuse of office, are facing fresh charges of illegally allocating State land to developers.
The two are now jointly charged with six other Government officials.
Machaya and Chibururu were last July sentenced to 48 months imprisonment but had 18 months suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The Government officials now jointly charged with the duo are former Midlands and Mashonaland West provincial development co-ordinator Cecilia Chitiyo, Matilda Manhambo, Sherpard Marweyi , Sifelani Moyo, Ethel Mlalazi and Everest Nyamadzawo.
The accused yesterday appeared before a Gweru Magistrate Mr Edwin Marecha standing in for Kadoma regional magistrate Ms Sheila Nazombe.
Ms Nazombe took over from her counterpart Mr Stanford Mambanje from Beitbridge.
The accused are facing charges of illegally allocating more than 11 000 stands to land developers.
Mr Andrew Kumire is representing the State.
Online Reporter