Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi was yesterday summoned to appear before a Harare magistrate to explain his decision to stop the trial of a Harare man who allegedly used high-profile people’s names to swindle unsuspecting clients of various amounts of money.
Leon Gomani (29) is facing more than 20 counts of fraud and the matter is already on defence after magistrate Morgan Nemadire dismissed his application for discharge.
But in a surprise turn of events, the State, represented by Sheila Mupindu, asked for the matter to be stopped for three weeks, saying she had allegedly received a communiqué from Hodzi.
In the case, Judicial Service Commission secretary Walter Chikwana and Zanu-PF politburo member Patrick Chinamasa testified as their names were the ones used to swindle several people.
Former Cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Chief Justice Luke Malaba were also expected to testify in the matter.
However, Nemadire asked the State the law they were using to stop proceedings that had already been on defence, upon which Mupindu replied that it was by request from the PG.
Nemadire stood down the matter and asked Mupindu to call Hodzi to come and testify on the law he was using, but Hodzi failed to appear at around 11am.
“I want the PG to come down and address me on reasons why this matter is being postponed. If he is withdrawing, he should just say so. I will not pass the ruling of the postponement unless he comes because I can sense corruption in this matter,” Nemadire said.
The magistrate then stood down the matter again to 2pm, but Hodzi failed to appear. Senior prosecutor Clemence Chimbari then came and addressed the court, saying Hodzi was no longer coming.
Chimbari told the court that Hodzi had said the matter be stopped for three weeks so that he could look into the issues of complaints into the matter.
He was, however, asked to read in court sections of the law which stipulate that the PG could stop proceedings after an accused had pleaded not guilty.
When pressured by Nemadire to explain, Chimbari said it was just a request by the PG to stop the trial for three weeks.
“What is the legal basis of stopping a matter that is already at defence case? This is now not a State’s case; you closed your case and it is now the accused’s time to explain,” Nemadire charged.
“We do court applications in terms of the law. The PG cannot stop these proceedings at this stage. Tell the PG to come tomorrow. He cannot just receive a complaint from somebody else out there and decide to stop a trial.
“Tell him to come to court tomorrow (today) at 9am without fail. Also, tell him the court is not happy at all. I want him here and I expect him to explain his decision,” Nemadire fumed.
He then adjourned the proceedings to today.
Info News
Truck Accident Lawyer: How to Get Maximum Compensation
Truck Accident Lawyer: How to Get Maximum Compensation
A truck accident can be far more serious than a regular car crash. Large commercial trucks can cause severe injuries, major property damage, and long-term financial problems. If you were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, delivery truck, or commercial vehicle, a truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Truck accident cases are often complicated because more than one party may be responsible. The truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer may all be involved. A skilled semi-truck accident attorney can investigate the case and identify who may be liable.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are Different
Commercial trucking companies usually have strong insurance companies and legal teams. They may start investigating the crash immediately. This is why victims should not rely only on the insurance company’s version of events.
A lawyer can help collect driver logs, black box data, inspection records, maintenance history, delivery schedules, and accident reports. These records may show whether the truck driver was speeding, tired, distracted, overloaded, or violating safety rules.
Compensation After a Truck Accident
A trucking accident claim may include medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, vehicle damage, and long-term care. If the injury is permanent, the settlement may also include loss of future income.
Final Thoughts
A commercial truck accident can change your life quickly. Working with a truck accident lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation and avoid being pressured into a low settlement.
Business Financing Options
rn - Supporting Entrepreneurial Growth
rn Business financing plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs start and expand their operations. Access to funding allows businesses to invest in equipment, hire staff, and scale effectively. Many entrepreneurs explore options such as small business loans and startup funding. rn
rnrn
Before securing financing, it’s important to understand repayment terms, interest rates, and eligibility requirements. A well-prepared business plan can improve approval chances and ensure responsible use of funds. Proper financial management helps businesses grow sustainably over time.
rnrn
rn
