Thursday, June 25

Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono has suffered a major stroke

?THE High Court on Friday acquitted a Harare couple accused of defrauding a company owned by former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, Gideon Gono, ZWL137 million.

 

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Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono has suffered a major legal setback after the High Court overturned the prosecution of a Harare couple he accused of defrauding him of ZW$137 million.

 

 

 

Justice Regis Dembure on Friday acquitted Clark Makoni and his wife, Beverly Aisha Ndonda, who had been accused of fraudulently altering company documents and siphoning funds by allegedly appointing themselves directors. The couple denied the allegations from the outset.Their bid for discharge at the close of the State’s case had initially been dismissed by regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who ruled that they had a case to answer and should be placed on their defence.

But Justice Dembure disagreed, finding that the charge sheet itself was “fatally defective” because it failed to outline the essential elements of the alleged fraud. He ruled that the couple could not be compelled to defend themselves against a charge lacking the core legal components required to constitute a valid offence.

 

 

Represented by lawyer Admire Rubaya, Makoni and Ndonda took the matter to the High Court, arguing that their prosecution amounted to a fishing expedition by the State.

“There is no way the accused persons can be placed on their defence when the essential elements of the offence of fraud have not been set out in the charge sheet,” Rubaya submitted. “As it stands, the charge is barren as it lacks the averments required to make it a valid fraud allegation.”

 

 

 

 

Justice Dembure sharply criticised the lower court, saying its failure to determine the validity of the charges during the discharge application amounted to a “gross irregularity and serious misdirection.”The couple had argued that the magistrate’s court could not “resuscitate a non-existent case” built on defective charges.

“This court cannot, by any stretch of its powers, seek to panel-beat the charge for purposes of placing the accused persons on their defence,” Rubaya added. “The State laid its bed — it must lie on it.”

 

 

 

 

With the High Court’s decision, the case collapses entirely, marking a significant loss for Gono in his attempt to have the couple prosecuted.

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DUI Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney After a Drunk Driving Arrest

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DUI Lawyer Near Me: What to Do After a DUI Arrest

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A DUI arrest can affect your license, job, insurance rates, criminal record, and future. It can also move fast. You may have court dates, license deadlines, paperwork, and decisions to make before you fully understand what happened.

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That is why many people search for a DUI lawyer near me after being arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence.

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A DUI lawyer helps you understand the charges, review the evidence, protect deadlines, and build a defense based on the facts of your case.

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DUI laws vary by state, so this article is general information only. You should speak with a licensed DUI attorney in your state for legal advice.

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What Does a DUI Lawyer Do?

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A DUI lawyer may help with:

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Reviewing the police stop
rnChecking whether the officer had legal grounds
rnReviewing field sobriety tests
rnAnalyzing breath test or blood test results
rnChallenging testing errors
rnRepresenting you in court
rnHandling license suspension hearings
rnNegotiating plea options
rnSeeking reduced penalties when available
rnPreparing for trial
rnExplaining ignition interlock requirements
rnHelping protect your driving privileges

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DUI cases are often technical. A lawyer may review body camera footage, breath machine records, police reports, chemical test procedures, and officer training.

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DUI vs. DWI: Is There a Difference?

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Different states use different terms.

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You may see:

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DUI: Driving Under the Influence
rnDWI: Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired
rnOWI: Operating While Intoxicated
rnOUI: Operating Under the Influence

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The exact meaning depends on the state. Some states use DUI and DWI differently, while others use one term for the main offense.

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Why DUI Charges Are Serious

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A DUI may create both criminal and administrative consequences.

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Possible consequences may include:

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Jail time
rnFines
rnCourt costs
rnProbation
rnLicense suspension
rnIgnition interlock device
rnAlcohol education classes
rnCommunity service
rnHigher car insurance
rnCriminal record
rnEmployment problems
rnProfessional license issues

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says alcohol-impaired driving is dangerous and helps states and communities reduce the threat of drunk drivers.

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How to Choose the Best DUI Lawyer

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1. Look for DUI Defense Experience

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Not every criminal defense lawyer focuses heavily on DUI. DUI defense often involves technical evidence, breath testing rules, traffic stop law, and administrative license procedures.

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Ask:

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How often do you handle DUI cases?
rnHave you handled cases in this court?
rnDo you challenge breath or blood test evidence?
rnDo you handle license hearings?
rnHave you taken DUI cases to trial?

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2. Ask About Local Court Experience

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Local experience can matter. A lawyer who regularly appears in the court where your case is filed may understand local procedures, prosecutors, judges, and diversion options.

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3. Review Communication Style

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You need an attorney who explains things clearly.

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A good lawyer should explain:

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What you are charged with
rnWhat penalties may apply
rnWhat deadlines matter
rnWhat evidence needs review
rnWhat your options may be
rnWhat the legal strategy could look like

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4. Understand the Fee

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DUI lawyers may charge flat fees, hourly fees, or staged fees.

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Ask:

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Is the fee flat or hourly?
rnDoes the fee include trial?
rnDoes it include license hearings?
rnAre expert witnesses extra?
rnAre court costs included?
rnIs payment plan available?

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Get the agreement in writing.

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What to Bring to a DUI Consultation

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Bring:

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Citation or ticket
rnBond paperwork
rnCourt date notice
rnLicense suspension notice
rnPolice report, if available
rnBreath or blood test paperwork
rnVideo evidence notice
rnWitness names
rnPrior DUI history, if any
rnVehicle impound paperwork
rnInsurance information

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The more complete your documents, the better an attorney can evaluate your situation.

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Common DUI Defense Issues

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A DUI lawyer may review questions such as:

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Was the traffic stop legal?
rnDid the officer have reasonable suspicion?
rnWere field sobriety tests properly explained?
rnWas the breath machine calibrated?
rnWas the blood draw handled correctly?
rnWas the test performed within required rules?
rnWas the driver actually impaired?
rnWere constitutional rights violated?
rnWere statements obtained properly?

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A defense depends on the facts. No lawyer can honestly promise dismissal before reviewing the evidence.

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Red Flags When Hiring a DUI Lawyer

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Be careful if someone:

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Guarantees dismissal
rnPromises no jail without reviewing facts
rnRefuses to discuss fees clearly
rnDoes not explain risks
rnPressures you to pay immediately
rnHas little DUI experience
rnWill not provide a written agreement
rnTells you the case is “easy” before reviewing evidence

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A serious DUI lawyer should be honest, not just comforting.

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Final Thoughts

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A DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect deadlines, review evidence, and fight for the best available outcome based on the facts.

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If you were arrested for DUI, do not ignore court notices or license deadlines. Get organized, keep your paperwork, and speak with a qualified local DUI attorney as soon as possible.

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The Role of Technology in Healthcare Innovation

Technology has transformed healthcare systems worldwide by improving medical research, patient care, and disease prevention. Hospitals and healthcare providers increasingly use digital systems, artificial intelligence, robotics, and telemedicine to improve treatment outcomes and operational efficiency.

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Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors remotely using smartphones and video conferencing platforms. This has become especially valuable in rural communities and regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Electronic medical records also improve information sharing between healthcare professionals and reduce administrative errors.

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Medical researchers use advanced technology to develop vaccines, analyze diseases, and improve surgical procedures. Robotic-assisted surgeries allow doctors to perform complex operations with greater precision and shorter recovery times. Wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches help individuals monitor health conditions and physical activity.

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Despite technological progress, healthcare systems still face challenges including rising costs, unequal access to medical services, and data privacy concerns. Governments and healthcare organizations continue investing in digital infrastructure and public health initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency globally.

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Experts believe technology will continue revolutionizing healthcare through personalized medicine, AI-assisted diagnosis, and innovative treatment methods that improve patient outcomes worldwide.

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