Former Deputy Minister of Information, Bright Matonga, finds himself back in legal trouble after being re-arrested on fresh allegations of theft. Matonga, who had previously been granted bail in a separate case just last month, now faces accusations related to the theft of irrigation pipes.
The development comes shortly after Matonga was initially released on bail set at US$600 by Chegutu Magistrate Ms. Evelyn Mashawakure. According to his lawyer, Innocent Muchini of Muchini Attorneys, Matonga was apprehended early in the morning on these new charges. However, details surrounding the specific allegations remain murky, prompting Muchini to travel to Chegutu to gather additional information. He has assured that once he has gathered all the facts, he will provide further clarification on the matter.
This latest arrest adds to Matonga’s legal woes stemming from a previous incident on June 25, 2024. During that time, he was accused of involvement in the theft of farm implements amounting to US$500,000. Matonga had appeared in court recently and was subsequently remanded out of custody until August 22, 2024, pending further legal proceedings.
The re-arrest marks a turbulent period for Matonga, once a prominent figure in government circles. His legal team continues to navigate the unfolding situation, grappling with successive charges that threaten to prolong his legal battles. As developments unfold, stakeholders are keenly observing the trajectory of the case, which has garnered significant attention within legal and political spheres alike.
In other news – Confiscated Trucks Linked To Wadyajena And Manamike Burned
In a dramatic turn of events, two haulage trucks seized by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) as part of an investigation into corruption allegations involving former Gokwe-Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena and ex-Cottco managing director Pious Manamike have been destroyed by fire. The incident occurred at the location where the trucks were being held as exhibits, leaving them completely charred and beyond recognition.
The trucks were reportedly confiscated following accusations against Wadyajena of fraud and money laundering related to embezzled funds from the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco), intended for the purchase of bale cables. Read More