Former Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa and the Ministry’s ex-Permanent Secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga appeared in court on Wednesday facing abuse of office charges. The duo was released on $800 bail each and remanded out of custody to April 11 when they appeared before Midlands Provincial Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Ssipa.
Chidhakwa (55) and Professor Gudyanga (70) were ordered to report once every week at Borrowdale and Highlands police stations and not to interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised. The two were arrested in Harare on Monday before they were brought to Gweru after they allegedly presided on a mine claim ownership dispute on the boundary between Masvingo and Midlands Provinces.
The duo’s lawyers notified the court of their intention to oppose further placement on remand for their clients when they return to court on April 11 arguing that the state had not established any criminal offence against the two.
More: StarFM