Mhanda, Nharingo acquitted (21-06-07)

erators Platform Wilfred Mhanda, whose nom de guerre was Dzinashe Machingura, and programmes co-ordinator Wilson Nharingo who were jointly charged with theft by conversion after allegedly fleecing the ZLP of US$15,500 – which was cash meant for the purchase of vehicles.
Magistrate Godzi dismissed the case before the accused were put on their defense for lack of evidence to support the “preposterous allegations.”
Selby Hwacha of Dube, Manikai and Hwacha law firm, successfully argued that the allegations against the pair were “frivolous and vexatious” and were concocted by a clique of Central Intelligence Organisation operatives who had infiltrated the association with the aim of destablising it.
Mhanda and Nharingo were forced out of the ZLP in mid-2004.
ZLP spokesman Marcus Makora told The Zimbabwean that the acquittal of the leaders came as a great relief because the case had dragged on in the Provincial Magistrates’ Court for the past two years in what he alleged was open collusion between the state prosecution and the complainants. Makora said after the CIO takeover of the organization, the association had lost teeth.
“Thereafter, the unaccountable state agents assumed total control of the organisation and proceeded to strip it of its assets comprising subscription funds; motor vehicles; office equipment such as computers, photocopiers office desks and chairs and kitchen equipment such as stoves and refrigerators,” said Makora. “All this was done without authority from the board, the ZLP National Council. The employees were laid off with all regional and provincial offices closed down.”