via Mnangagwa declares Tomana ‘lord’ – NewsDay Zimbabwe July 30, 2015
VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday appeared to assure under-fire Prosecutor-General (PG) Johannes Tomana that his job is safe despite recent attacks by child rights groups for allegedly saying girls under the age of 12 years can consent to sex.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Tomana’s remarks caused a public storm last month with First Lady Grace Mugabe labelling him “a pedophile” and urged him to resign.
But Mnangagwa, while officially opening the first National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) offices in central Harare, described Tomana as the best candidate for the PG’s job.
“We have no doubt that you have the capacity, vision and foresight to carry the burden of the NPA as provided for by our Constitution. In fact, I declare you lord of these premises and commander-in-chief of the NPA. The basic elements for you to operate are now in place,” Mnangagwa said.
The VP also oversees the Justice ministry.
Mnangagwa said government was considering accommodating the NPA at the “seat of government power”.
“While we have availed this building for you to operate from, it is important that the NPA has its own accommodation that is identified with this very important arm of the government,” he said.
“Government is considering accommodating the NPA at the seat of State power (Munhumutapa Building) to show that you are part of the arms of power so we may site you there, but a decision on this is yet to be made.”
Tomana in his opening remarks paid tribute to Mnangagwa for facilitating “in record time” the operationalisation of the NPA.
“The operationalisation of the Act in January this year was done in record time, but I would want to indicate that we have visited our different offices across the country and issues of capacity need to be looked at,” he said.
“Another issue is that already the NPA is in rent arrears amounting to $146 000. It is not a good way to begin.”
Meanwhile, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin donated computer equipment to the NPA.
COMMENTS
let Tomana explain his role in the Telecel saga before declaring him as suitable to hold high office.
Any chance that the equipment kindly donated by China is already bugged, and all “secrets” will be transmitted straight to our “all-weather” friends?
Mnangagwa is now playing with fire; isn’t?
“Commander-In-Chief”, sure?? All along this glamorous titled is reserved for one & only. Zvino kana vana Tomana vava kunzabwovo, aaa! Ini zii! Tovona kunowira tsvimbo nedobwe – hachisi chiGamatox ichochi?