via Mayor, councillor in court for selling stand | The Herald October 28, 2013 by Lovemore Meya
Chitungwiza mayor Phillip Mutoti and Ward 12 councillor, Darlington Musonza (both of MDC-T) on Friday appeared in court for allegedly allocating a Zimbabwe Republic Police stand to a youth from their party.
It is alleged they allocated stand number 8161 in Zengeza 3 which had been set aside for the construction of a police base to the unnamed MDC-T youth.
Mutoti (43) of St Mary’s is jointly charged with Musonza (30) of Zengeza 3, for criminal abuse of office.
Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo remanded Mutoti and Musonza out of custody on US$100 bail to November 14, coupled with stringent conditions.
The two were represented by their lawyer, Mr Kennedy Masiye.
Prosecutor Mr Tendai Mukariri alleged that Musonza went to see Mutoti on October 15 this year after the unnamed MDC-T youth approached Musonza asking for land to start his incoming generating project. It is further alleged that the duo wrote a letter authorising the youth to acquire the land. With the aid of the letter of authority, the youth started developing the stand before he was intercepted and stopped by the police.
Mr Mukariri alleges that the pair has no power to re-allocate the stand and the task sorely rested with the clerk of the municipality, who would in turn delegate the director of housing to finalise the allocation.
COMMENTS
Ok, whether they are innocent or guilty, this is a simple, non-violent crime. Why are they being arrested for doing what they obviously thought was a part of their job? Even if they are guilty, they are certainly not a flight risk, because the punishment should be very minimal, some sort of administrative punishment, right? Or is this another case of selective, retributive, ZANU-PF justice? The fact that all three individuals are MDC-T members is setting of bells. Is this just a coincidence?
One of many, many such “coincidences”. As you’re well aware, selective enforcement is a worn out ZANUPF trademark. If not for that, ZANUPF would be know only as the party of corruption, theft, and violence.
The headline says that they SOLD the stand, but the article makes no mention that they personally benefitted in any way. It only says that they wrote a letter of support. Is that even a crime? After all, it was the unnamed youth who attempted to actually develop it.
@DL. Good catch.
Its time these MDC-T guys open their eyes and not tread on quick sand. Facts should be verified first before any decisions are made.
The fact that it was established that the beneficiary was an MDC supporter raises more questions than answers.Had the beneficiary been from a different political party, the case could have been different,