The trial of a Central Intelligence Organisation senior officer, Mbereki Nyathi, who is being charged together with an Indian national, Abdul Ishmael, Samson Marufu and Hilary Nduna, on allegations of money-laundering, failed to commence at the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday, after the State sought postponement of the matter.
BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE
The matter was eventually deferred to November 29 after prosecutor, Sebastian Mutizirwa said the court was overwhelmed with other cases set for the day.
The suspects were initially being charged with theft of a motor vehicle, which was then altered to money-laundering. Defence lawyer, Admire Rubaya told the court that they had consented to the postponement of the matter.
Mutizirwa had earlier told the court that the National Prosecuting Authority had altered the charge, without giving details of what had prompted the change.
According to the State, the quartet is said to have fraudulently brought a BMW vehicle from South Africa last year.
The State claims Marufu, Nyathi and Ishmael connived with Nduna and other syndicates in South Africa to steal the vehicle, which they then smuggled into Zimbabwe.
Ishmael then allegedly obtained a fraudulent vehicle registration book from the Central Vehicle Registry department and also evaded payment of duty to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
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The State alleges after registering the vehicle, Ishmael handed it over to Nyathi for safekeeping. Taking advantage of his position as a senior State security agent, Nyathi started using the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the trial of Eddie “Kebaab” Zviitwa and Kelvin Blumears, who are being accused of stealing $85 000 failed to kick off after the latter asked for the postponement of the case, saying he was not feeling well.
A medical report was presented before regional magistrate, Hosiah Mujaya to confirm the illness.
Other suspects in the matter were last month discharged from the case.
The matter was postponed to November 17 for the defence case.
