Kwekwe provincial magistrate Taurai Manuwere yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for MDC-T councillor Johannes Ngozo, accused of fraud and corruption after he absconded proceedings reportedly on medical grounds.
Defence lawyer Valentine Mutatu told the court his client was not feeling well and had, as a result, failed to attend trial since he was bedridden.
Witnesses who were allegedly duped of their hard-earned cash by Ngozo in a residential stands sale scam were not amused by the councillors’ failure to turn up for court and called on the magistrate to deny him bail once arrested.
In his application, one of the six witnesses based in South Africa pleaded with the courts to ensure Ngozo would be available for trial when the next date is set.
“I am sure he is playing a ‘cat-and-mouse’ game with us and does not want to own up to his deeds.
“I have to travel from South Africa leaving my work to come here and Ngozo absconds court. Let’s proceed without him,” charged the witness.
Manuwere promised the witness the court would look into claims made by Ngozo’s lawyer once he is arrested and if it was proved that he was frustrating the court, he would not hesitate to revoke bail and continue with the trial with the councillor in custody.
“I am here to apply the law and not to violate it . . . if it is proved that the accused is intentionally frustrating this court, I will remand him in custody.
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“So please go home and wait for the police to subpoena you once accused is arrested,” said Manuwere.
Ngozo, who chairs the council housing committee, allegedly sold non-existent stands to six home seekers who paid him $10 000 last year.
MDC-T Mbizo district recently said they had suspended the embattled councillor from the party and were waiting for the party’s national executive to conduct a disciplinary hearing.
