The acquittal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ally and Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena in the case he was accused of fraud involving money laundering of at least US$5,8 million, has been viewed by observers as a “mockery of our justice system.”
This comes after a Harare magistrate ruled that the State had no evidence against Wadyajena in the case he is being charged with fraud on suspicion that he laundered more than US$5,8 million together with three Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) bosses.
The three are Cottco managing director Pius Manamike, head of marketing, operations, ginning and logistics, Maxmore Njanji and Procurement Specialist Fortunate Molai, and Pierpont Moncroix Director Chiedza Danha.
The State will proceed by way of summons. The court ruled that the State arrested to investigate.
Commenting on the issue, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny (ZDD), who is also a fierce critic of the Zanu-PF regime said the acquittal of Wadyajena “is mockery of our justice system”.
“The removal of Wadyajena from remand whilst Sikhala (incarcerated opposition Citizens Coalition for Change MP) continues suffering in prison and the likes of Hopewell still on remand is a mockery of our justice system.
“Christians choosing not to see this evil are guilty of strengthening the hands of evildoers -according to scriptures,” he said.
Bishop Magaya was arrested last year while he was in the middle of leading prayers for the country’s peace and prosperity. He was whisked away from his Rotten Row church premises by armed anti-riot officers, who arrested 36 more people in attendance
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa questioned the decision of the court.
“Zvimwe zvacho unopera power. How does the state fail to amass evidence where US$5 million has been swindled? It’s now clear jail is for the poor and the opposition!!
“How do we even blame ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission) here? It’s clear where the failure is coming from. US$5 million swindled from a state enterprise and the state’s case fails for lack of evidence! This is a reflection of the absence of political will to fight corruption.”
Top Zimbabwean investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono cited” Catch and Release” syndrome by Mnangagwa’s regime.
“Zanu-PF MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena has been removed from remand after being arrested for looting US$5.8 million 6 months ago. This is the ED regime’s style of Catch and Release.
“The court said the remand time has been long, yet I have been on remand for 2 years for exposing corruption,” he said.
