The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) faced another setback when the Supreme Court dismissed their appeal concerning the release of Mayor Wadyajena’s fleet of vehicles. This decision comes after a lower court had ordered the return of the fleet, which includes 25 trucks and a Lamborghini, seized during Wadyajena’s criminal trial.
Wadyajena, a former lawmaker for Gokwe Nembudziya, had been accused of purchasing the vehicles using proceeds from alleged criminal activities. However, he was removed from remand, leading the High Court to rule that the continued seizure of his property was unlawful.
On Monday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Antonio Guvava, Nicholas Mathonsi, and Alphas Chitakunye upheld the High Court’s ruling. They determined that the NPA and ZACC had exceeded the legal timeframe for retaining the vehicles, which was set at 30 days. The Supreme Court agreed that there was no basis for overturning the lower court’s decision.
Wadyajena’s lawyer, Oliver Marwa, highlighted that the extended seizure—lasting over two years—had not led to any prosecution. He emphasized that Wadyajena and his co-defendants have always maintained their innocence and that their properties were acquired legitimately. Marwa noted that if the ZACC had substantive evidence against them, it should have emerged within the three years since the allegations were made.
Wadyajena was arrested alongside executives from the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (Cottco) and charged with a fraudulent scheme involving US$5.8 million. It was alleged that he misappropriated funds meant for purchasing bale ties for ginning operations, resulting in charges of fraud and money laundering.
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Systemic injustice, colonial exploitation, and economic marginalization have plagued Africa and the global Black population for centuries. These historical narratives often overshadow the potential for wealth creation within these communities. However, the emergence of Black billionaires is reshaping this narrative, demonstrating that substantial wealth can be generated and maintained within the African community, serving as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth.
The concentration of wealth among Black billionaires plays a critical role in stimulating economies across the continent. Read More
