Court drops charges against Muponda

Formerly exiled businessman Gilbert Muponda who went back to Zimbabwe and handed himself over to the police on Wednesday has now had all criminal charges against him formally withdrawn.

In 2003 Muponda was accused of swindling his own company ENG Asset Management of over ZW$61 billion in depositors’ funds. He has been exiled in Canada for over seven years fighting to clear his name.

Nehanda Radio.com understands Muponda went back to Zimbabwe on Saturday and after handing himself over to police on Wednesday he was subsequently remanded in custody by a Harare magistrate.

One of his lawyers Obert Gutu said “Early Friday morning Muponda appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe in chambers whereupon all criminal charges against him were formally withdrawn before plea.”

Citing Muponda’s lawyer Benjamin Chikowero, Gutu said “the learned magistrate signed the warrant for Muponda’s release from Harare Remand Prison and Muponda will be a free man within the next few hours.”