Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
ZVIMBA Rural District Council chief executive officer, Enias Chidhakwa, has been acquitted of criminal abuse of duty by the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Presiding magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa ruled that the State failed to establish a prima facie case against Chidhakwa, leading to his acquittal.
Chidhakwa, who has served as CEO since 2020, was accused of unlawfully using 1 000 litres of diesel valued at US$1 500 belonging to the council, and of instructing council drivers to use council vehicles and equipment for the construction of his private residence in Rainham, allegedly without following proper procedures.
However, the key State witness, Mr Spencer Magaya, Zvimba RDC chairman and Chidhakwa’s advisor, testified that Chidhakwa acted within his rights.
Mr Magaya explained that the use of council resources was permitted under the council’s transport policy and that the benefits in question were granted through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
He further stated that, as Chidhakwa’s immediate supervisor, he did not observe any wrongdoing.
All documentary evidence, including logbooks, requisition forms, and statements, was submitted by consent.
Magistrate Gofa ruled that, given Magaya’s testimony exonerating Chidhakwa and the absence of evidence to the contrary, the prosecution had failed to prove that any criminal offence had been committed.
As a result, Chidhakwa was found not guilty.
