Probe into match-fixing claims(01-02-07)

of enquiry would sift through the shady world of match-fixing.
“We are not just going to fold our hands and watch the match-fixing allegations flying around. We have also written to Dynamos and Shooting Stars to provide any evidence that might buttress the case.
“We want to cleanse our football. We are likely to extend the probe to other suspected matches played last season,” Ndebele said.
They expect the committee to report before the start of the 2007 football season.
The independent probe comes hard on the heels of a high-profile trial expected to open at the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Courts on 9 February.
The police picked up Shooting Stars midfielder Muchineripi Muneri, owner Joel Sengeredo, and coaches Gishon Ntini and Josten Mathuthu, a few days after the match, as part of investigations into alleged match fixing.
Dynamos’ Heavens Chinyama, Ramson Zhuwawo and Tafadzwa Maingire were also picked up for questioning. Chinyama, Zhuwawo and Sebastian Mutizirwa have been listed as the star witnesses by the State.
Charges against Muneri followed a complaint by Brian Kashangura, DeMbare’s security officer, alleging that the midfielder paid $200,000 in cash to Dynamos striker Chinyama to influence the result of the match.
The cash was allegedly handed over to Chinyama and Kashangura; he believes that the plot also targeted defender Maingire and striker Gift Zvavanhu.
Ndebele said the commission of enquiry would not be influenced by the court case.
“This is an independent enquiry by the league, while the court case is a criminal case which is being pursued by the State,” Ndebele said.
Dynamos coach David Mandatory questioned some of the end-of-season results such as Highlanders’ 4-1 defeat by Shabanie Mine, Railstars’ 4-0 thrashing of Lancashire Steel at Luveve and Bosso’s 5-0 demolition of Chapungu. – CAJ News