In the case, Kunaka (31), who is believed to be the leader of a Zanu (PF) militia group, Chipangano, claims that two Mashwede Diesel (Pvt) Ltd employees, identified in court as Isheanesu Maribha (34) and Gwezuva Changamire (35), connived to give him a $5 000 bribe after which he made a police report and a trap was set leading to the arrest of the duo.
President’s Office
The two Mashwede Diesel employees have since appeared in court facing charges of bribery. However, the defence team for the Mashwede Diesel employees, led by Augustine Runesu of Chizikwi Legal Practitioners, claims that Kunaka, acting on advice from staff at the President’s Office, connived with Superintendent Chrispen Makedenge to set a trap for the duo and effect their arrest.
“It emerges that the informant (Jim Kunaka) had engaged the office of the President on this matter and on advice from the office went to see Makedenge of the CID Law and Order section who was supposed to be looking for him.
“Makedenge hand-picked officers from different departments and gave CID Residential (Section) the responsibility of having the accused arrested when money had been paid,” reads part of the defence outline.
The defence team alleges that the two Mashwede Diesel employees were victims of partisan conduct by the police force.
Too powerful
The defence outline also highlights how the Zimbabwe Republic Police failed to act against attacks of Mashwede Diesel workers by Zanu (PF) youths led by Jim Kunaka at the site where businessman Alex Mashamhanda was constructing a food court, saying he was too powerful for them.
“Mashamhanda went to formally report the violation of the law but was advised not to make a statement by Assistant Inspector Shoko but to go and discuss the matter with the chairperson of Zanu (PF) who demanded that the company employ their youths. This was complied with and about 20 youths were employed,” reads the defence outline.
Follow ups on the matter revealed that complaints against Jim Kunaka and the Chipangano militia were being forwarded to the CID Law and Order Section who were reluctant to take action.
The case has unearthed the wanton grabbing of council properties in Mbare by powerful Zanu (PF) youths.
Kunaka gave his address in court as 5 Special House, Mbare and claims he is the rightful owner of the property which legally belongs to the City of Harare.
Post published in: News